Cybercriminals Exploit *# Codes to Hijack WhatsApp: Stay Ahead of the Hack
In recent cases reported in Bhopal, unsuspecting individuals find themselves prey to the cunning strategies employed by cybercriminals. These incidents highlight a growing strategy involving call-forwarding codes that lead to compromised WhatsApp accounts, thus underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and preventive measures.
A Misdirected Call Leads to Security Breach
For Reeta, a seemingly ordinary day turned into a perplexing nightmare. She discovered her WhatsApp was deactivated, while her husband faced inquiries from contacts about urgent monetary requests sent from her account. The root cause lay in a deceptive phone call prompting her to dial numbers starting with *#, used by fraudsters to enable call forwarding and hijack her WhatsApp.
The Deceptive Call Behind the Hack
Imagine the surprise when Reeta received a call from an alleged delivery person. As the caller asked her to verify details and dial a specific number, Reeta, absorbed in her daily tasks, responded without second thought. Unbeknownst to her, this action was all it took for hackers to reroute her phone calls, enabling them to verify her WhatsApp account from their own devices.
A Deceptive Twist on Friends’ Trust
In parallel, a senior sales manager fell victim to a more personal fraud. By exploiting the manager’s trust, fraudsters impersonated a friend and requested an OTP, masked as an accidental forward. This unguarded moment saw his communication conduit commandeered by scam artists, sending financial pleas to his contacts.
The Cybercop’s Advice: Stay Alert, Stay Secure
As confirmed by the cybercrime branch, there’s a marked decline in such cases due to increased awareness, yet complacency can undo progress. According to Times of India, these fraudsters employ cunning techniques, including the insidious APK messenger forwarder, designed to forcibly siphon off verification messages. In light of this, users are encouraged to implement two-step verification and consistently monitor call-forwarding settings as protective measures.
A Call to Action: Report and Restore
If you suspect a breach, act swiftly by reporting to the cybercrime branch or reaching out to [email protected]. Prompt action facilitates account restoration within 24 to 48 hours, fortifying your defenses against future attempts.
Vigilance as the First Line of Defense
Confronted with such sophisticated digital threats, staying informed and cautious emerges as our best defense. Remember, all it takes is a moment’s distraction for fraudsters to exploit your technological trust. Ensure your digital safety by adopting these protective measures and spreading awareness among peers to thwart hackers’ evolving tactics.
Stay secure and proactive to safeguard your digital identity and communication channels today!
