Tech
How WhatsApp Hackers Steal Money From Nigerians
- Hackers use SIM swapping to access WhatsApp accounts and scam contacts.
- Fake messages and links trick users into giving away personal information.
- Fraudulent accounts and malware infect phones to steal money and data.
EKO HOT BLOG brings you comprehensive breakdown of the various ways these hackers operate
1. Impersonating Trusted Contacts
One of the most common scams involves hackers gaining access to a victim’s WhatsApp account and impersonating them to scam their contacts. This is often achieved through SIM swapping (explained below), and once in control of the account, the hacker will send messages to the victim’s friends, family, or business associates, asking for urgent financial help. They might say they are stranded, need medical assistance, or are facing an emergency, prompting the recipient to send money quickly.
2. SIM Swap and Account Takeover
Hackers frequently use a technique called SIM swapping to hijack WhatsApp accounts. In this scenario, they convince a mobile network provider to transfer the victim’s phone number to a new SIM card, giving them control of the phone number and access to WhatsApp. This method bypasses WhatsApp’s two-factor authentication if the victim’s phone number is linked to the verification process. Once they gain access, hackers can change the victim’s account details and use it to trick their contacts into sending money.
3. Phishing Scams
Phishing is another prevalent method used by hackers to steal information from WhatsApp users. Scammers send fraudulent messages that appear to come from official sources like WhatsApp support or mobile service providers. These messages often contain links that lead to fake websites designed to look like WhatsApp’s official site. Victims are prompted to log in to these fake sites, unknowingly handing over their account credentials to the hacker. Once the hacker gains access to the account, they may use it to steal money, personal information, or sensitive data.
4. Business Account Scams
Hackers often create fake business accounts on WhatsApp to lure victims into fraudulent transactions. They may pose as legitimate companies selling goods or offering services, such as electronics, insurance, or business opportunities. Victims are convinced to make payments, but the goods or services promised never materialize. Since WhatsApp is widely trusted as a direct communication platform, scammers take advantage of this trust to make their scams appear more legitimate.
5. Social Engineering Tactics
Social engineering plays a major role in how WhatsApp hackers manipulate their victims. Hackers may impersonate customer service representatives, government officials, or even celebrities to gain the trust of unsuspecting users. They might claim to offer services like account recovery, loan disbursement, or assistance with government grants. In reality, their goal is to extract sensitive information or financial details that allow them to steal from the victim. Victims are often convinced that the hackers are legitimate and agree to make payments or share personal details.
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6. Malware Distribution
Hackers may also attempt to install malware on victims’ phones through WhatsApp. These malicious programs can be distributed via infected links or attachments in messages, such as photos or files. Once downloaded, the malware can steal sensitive information, such as bank account details, login credentials, and credit card numbers. Some malware even tracks a victim’s movements or keystrokes, enabling hackers to gather even more private information.
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How to Protect Yourself From WhatsApp Scammers:
Enable Two-Step Verification: One of the most important steps to securing your WhatsApp account is enabling two-step verification. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a PIN in addition to the verification code sent to your phone.
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Be Cautious of Unsolicited Requests for Money: Always verify the identity of anyone requesting money on WhatsApp, especially if the request seems urgent or out of character. Call or message the person directly using a known phone number to confirm the request.
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources or messages that seem too good to be true. Be especially cautious of links that ask you to log in to WhatsApp or other services.
Check Account Settings Regularly: Regularly review your WhatsApp account settings to ensure no unauthorized devices or sessions are active. You can log out of all devices from the “WhatsApp Web” section in settings.
Be Wary of Unknown Numbers: Don’t engage with unfamiliar numbers, especially those asking for personal or financial details. Scammers often use new or hidden numbers to avoid detection.
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