Scammers are finding new ways to take control of WhatsApp accounts, with Derbyshire Police issuing a warning about a rising trend of fraud targeting large group chats. These fraudsters are infiltrating various groups, including religious communities, university students, NHS staff, and business groups, to trick individuals into handing over their account verification codes.
How the WhatsApp Scam Works
Scammers typically gain access to a WhatsApp group and then send a direct message to an individual, claiming that they are about to receive a verification code. They then ask the victim to share this code, but in reality, this is the verification code needed to access their WhatsApp account.
Once the scammer gains access, they take control of the victim’s account and contact list. They then start messaging friends and family, pretending to be the victim, and request money under false pretenses.
Recent Cases of WhatsApp Fraud
Samantha Hancock, a cyber protection officer at Derbyshire Police, has urged people never to share WhatsApp verification codes. She highlighted a case where a victim lost £600 to scammers.
One recent incident involved a student group at the University of Derby, where a scammer pretended to be a lecturer and asked students to share their WhatsApp codes, claiming it was for a group call.
Another case involved a taxi driver whose WhatsApp was hacked. The fraudster then used the driver’s account to request upfront payments for taxi bookings, scamming customers who believed they were speaking to the real driver.
The “Picture Trick” – How Scammers Gain Trust
Derbyshire Police also warned about a scam technique known as the “Picture Trick.”
- In religious and faith-based WhatsApp groups, scammers often use a profile picture of the group’s official logo or someone recognizable from the community.
- This makes it easier for them to trick members into believing they are a trusted figure.
- Once they have control of an account, they message friends and family, pretending to be the victim, and ask for money.
How to Stay Safe from WhatsApp Scams
To avoid falling victim to such scams, follow these important safety tips:
1. Never Share Verification Codes
- WhatsApp will never ask you to share your verification code with anyone.
- If someone asks for it, they are likely a scammer.
2. Enable Two-Step Verification
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and set up a PIN.
- This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
3. Verify Requests for Money
- If someone asks for money on WhatsApp, call them directly on their mobile number to confirm.
- Do not reply to the WhatsApp message alone.
4. Be Cautious in Large Groups
- If you are in a large WhatsApp group, be cautious of unknown members.
- If someone new asks for sensitive information, verify their identity before responding.
5. Report Suspicious Activity
- If you suspect fraud, report the scammer to WhatsApp and inform the group admin.
- You can also block and report the contact directly through WhatsApp.
WhatsApp scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters using new techniques to gain trust and take over accounts. By staying alert, never sharing verification codes, and enabling extra security features, users can protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. If you ever receive a suspicious request, always verify it through a phone call before taking any action.
