Don't get tricked into losing your WhatsApp account -- and leaving your contacts vulnerable to scammers
The police have issued an advisory about a new variant of WhatsApp account takeover scams, where victims are deceived into clicking on phishing links sent via SMS.
In this latest scam, victims receive messages claiming there are issues with their WhatsApp account due to "prolonged lack of verification." The messages then prompt them to verify their account through a link leading to a fake WhatsApp webpage.
After victims enter their mobile number and verification code on the fake site, scammers gain control of their WhatsApp accounts and use them to send fraudulent loan requests to the victims' contacts.
Victims typically realise they have been scammed only after being logged out of their accounts, noticing unknown devices linked to them, or being alerted by friends who received scam messages.
The police advised users who suspect their WhatsApp accounts have been compromised to contact WhatsApp for recovery assistance.
They also urged the public to:
- Add the ScamShield app and enable WhatsApp's two-step verification feature.
- Check for suspicious links and verify unusual requests with contacts through non-WhatsApp calls.
- Tell authorities, family, and friends if they encounter or fall victim to scams.
For more information on scams, visit www.scamshield.gov.sg or call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799.
