2 men sent mass texts to over 7,000 users in WhatsApp phishing scam, one victim lost $1,823
A WhatsApp phishing scam has hit more than 7,000 users, with scammers sending mass SMSes to trick victims into handing over their WhatsApp verification codes.
In October, users began receiving unsolicited text messages claiming there were issues with their WhatsApp accounts due to "prolonged lack of verification". The SMSes included a link to a fake WhatsApp login page.
Those who entered their mobile number and verification code had their WhatsApp accounts taken over. Scammers then used the compromised accounts to send fraudulent loan requests to the victims' contacts.
One victim lost $1,823 after their account was hijacked.
Between Nov 18 and 19, officers from the Police Intelligence Department and Commercial Affairs Department conducted an islandwide operation and arrested two 27-year-old men believed to be part of a transnational syndicate behind the phishing scam.
They will be charged on Nov 20 with abetment to facilitating unauthorised access to computer material under the Computer Misuse Act.
Preliminary investigations revealed that more than 7,000 random mobile numbers were targeted through mass SMS blasts, and the stolen WhatsApp accounts were then used to solicit bogus loans.
Users who suspect their WhatsApp has been compromised should contact WhatsApp immediately for recovery, and are advised to enable two-step verification and regularly check their linked devices.
Police urge the public to:
- ADD – ScamShield and WhatsApp security features
- CHECK – links, unusual messages and linked devices
- TELL – authorities, family and friends when encountering scams
Anyone with information can call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000.
