The scam is being executed by a phone call faking as WhatsApp Support Survey.
WhatsApp frauds
Kochi: In a new mode of cybercrime, fraudsters are trying to hijack WhatsApp accounts by seeking OTP from users via phone calls or SMS. They will be later used for committing various crimes, warned the state police.
The scam is being executed through phone calls in the guise of ‘WhatsApp Support Survey’. Fraudsters will begin the process of creating a duplicate WhatsApp account on the caller’s number during the conversation itself. In the meantime, they will ask for the OTP. If the user provides them with the OTP, they will get access to their WhatsApp account.
These accounts are being used for financial frauds. They reach out to the close friends and relatives of the users via this account and seek financial help. Many people transfer money as the request comes from their personal WhatsApp account.
The fraudsters are also sending obscene posters. The police have directed that if a user is found to have been trapped in such a scam, they should immediately complain to the customer care of WhatsApp via e-mail. Police also request not to share OTP with anyone and turn on ‘WhatsApp two-step verification’.
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