Scam through WhatsApp, with Opichticht ?! we often see it pass by. But there are new developments regarding scams via WhatsApp. It appears that scammers are also able to hijack existing WhatsApp accounts. The excuse of the new telephone number is therefore no longer the most obvious method to be able to commit the fraud in a credible way, and that may have far-reaching consequences. Cyber expert Stan Hegt is a guest in the studio and explains it.
The victims receive a WhatsApp message, supposedly from an acquaintance. Ria too. She received a message, supposedly from her son. He would have a new phone, and therefore a new number. He asked his mother to help pay a bill and that had to be done as quickly as possible, otherwise a fine would follow. As soon as Ria is home, she opens internet banking and pays the € 749.99. But the payment is barely processed or her son comes in, who does not know about any payment.
But hijacking an existing WhatsApp account is new, and that means that there are other things to look out for.
Verification code
Fraudsters therefore need a verification code if they want to use someone else’s WhatsApp account. WhatsApp sends this verification code by default to the telephone number that is linked to the WhatsApp account.
Unfortunately: scammers have found a method to get hold of this verification code. To obtain this code, the scammer sends an SMS or WhatsApp message to the victim, “I just accidentally sent my verification code to your 06 number, could you pass it on to me?”
As soon as the victim releases the code, the scammer can use the victim’s WhatsApp account on another device.
Voicemail
WhatsApp also has the function that you can have the verification code sent to your voicemail, instead of via a text message. Fraudsters also know how to make good use of this. This is because most people have not properly secured their voicemail: the scammer can often easily log in to monitor the voicemail. Misuse of the verification code is usually the next step.
If you get a message from a phone number that you actually know, there is hardly any reason to doubt the credibility. Therefore, never give your verification code and always ask for additional proof of someone else’s identity if you receive a suspicious request for help. Ask them for a video of themselves or suggest that the person you think you are conversing with will send a spoken message. Often scammers give the excuse that “they are unable to make calls” or that “the camera or microphone is broken.”
Secure your WhatsApp account with two-step verification
Our cyber expert Stan Hegt explains how you can prevent scammers from using your WhatsApp. It is important to secure your WhatsApp through two-step verification. If that is switched on you always need an extra (self-made) code to install WhatsApp.
Setting this code is fairly easy: via WhatsApp you go to Settings> Account> Two-step verification. Enable this functionality and follow the steps indicated by the app for the rest.
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