Beware of fake WhatsApp groups that are stealing accounts!
Scams are everywhere out there, and these days, scammers are becoming more creative. According to recent reports, it seems that there is a rise in fake WhatsApp groups. This scam involves impersonating someone you know before stealing your WhatsApp account right under your nose.
So how does this scam work? Basically you will receive a call from someone you think you know. To do this, the scammers use a photo and the name of the person you know so that you think it’s them. They will then explain to you that you will be sent a six-digit code required for you to join a group video call.
However, this six-digit code is actually a verification code needed to transfer your WhatsApp account to a new device. If you were to hand over this code, your WhatsApp account would be stolen. From there, it would be short of impossible to gain your account back. The scammers could then use your account to steal information or to scam your other contacts.
WhatsApp is an incredibly popular messaging tool. It is more popular outside of the US in regions like Europe and Southeast Asia. It is estimated that the app has around 3 billion monthly users. In any case, if you do receive such calls and requests, be aware and don’t fall prey to them!