PSP issues alert over new WhatsApp account cloning scam

The Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) has issued an alert regarding a new WhatsApp scam involving account cloning and spoofing. Fraudsters exploit vulnerabilities in outdated mobile operating systems, particularly on older models, to clone accounts invisibly.

In these schemes, the victim continues to use the application normally without seeing the fraudulent messages being sent from their account. The criminals impersonate the victim to request urgent money transfers to unknown IBANs from the victim's friends and family.

To prevent these attacks, the PSP recommends keeping mobile operating systems and the WhatsApp application updated, enabling two-step verification, and always confirming financial requests through a direct voice call or in person.