Police Uncover WhatsApp 'Vote for Child' Account Takeover Scam
Police warn of a surging WhatsApp scam where users receive fake "vote for my child" links from trusted contacts, designed to steal personal information and hijack accounts by tricking victims into sharing their verification codes.
The National Police has uncovered a new online scam. Thousands of people have reported getting WhatsApp messages with fake links that steal your personal information if you click them. These messages pretend to be about voting in a children's contest.
The scam starts with a message saying, "Vote for my child." This message appears to come from someone you know, like a friend, colleague, or family member. A trusted contact forwards you a message that has been sent around many times. But behind this message is an attempt to hack accounts and take complete control of your WhatsApp in mere seconds.
Police officers explain that criminals first copy other people's accounts. Then, they use these real profiles to send the scam to many people, making it seem more trustworthy. As soon as someone clicks the link, they are sent to a website that looks legitimate and professional. However, it's a fake page designed to steal your information.
This fake website asks for your phone number so you can "vote." It then asks for a six-digit code that you receive by text message. This code is actually your WhatsApp verification code. If you enter it, you unknowingly give your account to the scammers. From that moment on, they have full access to your WhatsApp.
With just that one link, criminals can get into all your contacts, messages, and any personal data you have stored. Cybersecurity experts warn that once scammers control your account, they can contact your friends and family, spreading the fraud even further. They might also demand bank transfers, ask for urgent money, and access private chats that could be used for blackmail.
Data from the National Police shows that reports of online fraud have increased by over 70% since 2020. A growing number of these cases involve WhatsApp account takeovers and SIM swapping. Police officers confirm that this particular type of fraud has surged in recent months. This is mainly because it tricks people by using trust, as the messages come from someone the victim knows, not a stranger.
The Police emphasize that "social engineering" is central to this scam. If criminals need a code to get in, only you can provide it. So, the police have a clear message: no trustworthy platform will ever ask you for an SMS code through a link sent by another person.