WHATSAPP users have been warned about yet another malicious trick that could be used by cyber criminal masterminds.
Fraudsters are able to pull it off by convincing you with one simple phone call.
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They want a special code, which will grant them access to your account so they can message others and get the real money scam going.
Rahul Sasi, CEO of cyber security firm CloudSEk, revealed how the ruse works.
The idea exploits automated call forwarding that some mobile service providers offer.
This, along with the ability to send a one-time password (OTP) verification code through voice call, is how hackers pull it off.
The attacker first needs to persuade their victim into calling a number that starts with a Man-Machine Interface (MMI) code.
“Within a few minutes, your WhatsApp would be logged out and the attacker would get complete control of your account,” he warned.
But it will only work if you fall for the call to begin with.
So it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about who you interact with, even if it may seem harmless.
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People usually receive a message if their WhatsApp has been registered on another device, so the hacker will also have their work cut out trying to keep their victim busy long enough so they don’t see it.
But it’s still a risk worth being aware of.
Thankfully, WhatsApp is working on new ways to beef up security amid a spate of fraud attacks in recent years.
One idea they’re exploring is a way to require two codes for new devices, so things like this become even harder for con artists.
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