WhatsApp fraud: Authorities warn of new identity theft and extortion tactics

Law enforcement agencies in Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico are warning of rising WhatsApp-based fraud and extortion tactics.

A prevalent new method involves attackers gaining access to a user's account without logging them out. This allows criminals to send messages from the victim's real number to their contacts, often requesting urgent money transfers under the guise of a broken phone. In Spain, this has already resulted in significant financial losses in regions like Castilla y León.

Another emerging tactic utilizes WhatsApp’s ‘view once’ photo feature. Scammers send sensitive or compromising images from unknown numbers to pique curiosity. Once the recipient opens the file, the attacker claims the image was sent by mistake and begins extorting the victim with threats of retaliation unless a payment is made.

In Colombia, Senator Antonio José Correa Jiménez reported a case of identity impersonation where criminals used his name and photo to contact officials and citizens. Authorities recommend that users avoid opening files from unknown contacts, enable security updates, and verify any financial requests through official channels.