WhatsApp account theft scam targeting users via fake contests

The Italian State Police have issued a warning regarding a new wave of WhatsApp account theft scams. Fraudulent messages, which often appear to come from known contacts, invite users to vote for a child in a dance competition or participate in other online contests. These messages include a photograph and a malicious link.

When users click the link, they are directed to a website that prompts them to enter their phone number and subsequently provide a verification code received on their device. Criminals use this information to register the victim's WhatsApp account on a different device, effectively seizing control of the profile. Once compromised, scammers use the victim's identity to contact friends and family, requesting money under the guise of an emergency.

To prevent these attacks, authorities recommend being skeptical of messages requesting votes or participation in contests via external links, even from trusted contacts. Users should never enter their phone number on suspicious sites or share WhatsApp verification codes with anyone. Experts also suggest activating two-step verification with a PIN within the WhatsApp settings as an effective preventive measure.