A new text scam targeting WhatsApp users in parts of Europe has been identified by cybersecurity experts at Bitdefender. The scam involves receiving a message from a friend asking for a vote in a contest, which leads to a fake website requesting personal information and security codes. Falling for this scam can result in cybercriminals gaining access to your WhatsApp account and potentially defrauding your contacts.
The deceptive message urges users to vote for a contestant named Adeline, claiming she is the daughter of a close friend and offering a scholarship as the main prize. Once users click on the link and provide their phone number and security code, scammers can hijack the account and lock users out of it. Subsequently, the scammers exploit the compromised account to send fraudulent messages to contacts, aiming to deceive them into disclosing money or sensitive details.
Bitdefender warns that the scam is escalating, with cybercriminals deploying numerous fraudulent domains and URLs to target thousands of users. The scheme, termed the “Vote for My Child” scam, manipulates users into sharing verification codes, unknowingly aiding the fraudsters in their criminal activities.
Although most attacks have been reported in countries like Poland, Romania, and Germany, users in the UK are advised to exercise caution. To safeguard against such scams, Bitdefender recommends precautions such as refraining from sharing verification codes, verifying requests for money or favors through direct calls, and reporting suspicious messages within WhatsApp.
In case of a security breach, users are advised to request a new verification code, contact WhatsApp support, inform their bank about any transferred funds, and notify their contacts about the compromise. WhatsApp itself emphasizes the importance of not sharing verification codes with anyone to prevent unauthorized access to accounts and advises users to act promptly upon receiving registration notifications to maintain account security.