WhatsApp number hacking widespread; linked accounts too at risk

Vennala: The scam of hacking WhatsApp accounts is becoming increasingly widespread, with victims discovering that once a person's WhatsApp number is compromised, the hackers often target other accounts linked to the phone as well. 

Ajith Kumar, a public relations professional based in Kochi, approached the cyber police after falling victim to this scam. Following his complaint, the cyber police have launched an investigation.

The incident

Ajith, along with other residents of a newly established flat complex, had decided to create a WhatsApp group. After the group was created, he received a message from someone within the group, requesting that he forward an OTP (One-Time Password) number. Since it was someone from the group, Ajith sent the OTP without hesitation. Little did he know, this action would lead to his WhatsApp being hacked.

The following day, another message was sent from his hacked WhatsApp account, demanding an urgent payment of Rs 10,000 via UPI to a senior official at one of Kochi’s prominent banks. Feeling suspicious about the request, the official asked for account details but refrained from making the payment. This was when he and others realised that Ajith’s WhatsApp account had been hacked.

Gaining access to all groups

Alarmed by the incident, Ajith filed a complaint with the cyber police. The growing concern lies in the potential for hackers to gain access to all the groups and contacts linked to the hacked number. Moreover, if the account is hacked, scammers gain access to all shared messages, pictures, and videos.

Despite sending warnings to his WhatsApp groups and friends that his account had been compromised, the scammers proceeded to delete these messages themselves. Victims of the scam, including Ajith, have expressed their frustration, as they have been unable to resolve the issue despite reaching out to Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company. The scammers’ methods appear to be highly systematic.

The cyber police are actively working to recover Ajith's hacked WhatsApp account. If they are unable to do so, they have stated that they will report the matter to Meta for further action.