WhatsApp Scam Alert: Kerala Police Requests Users to Activate This Option to Stay Safe from Hackers
 

Kerala police have issued a critical warning to WhatsApp users regarding a growing scam that is putting accounts and personal information at risk. The scam involves fraudsters hacking into WhatsApp accounts and targeting members of groups associated with the hacked account, which poses major security and financial threats.

This scam begins when hackers impersonate a trusted contact and ask for a six-digit OTP that they claim WhatsApp sent. The victims, believing that this is a genuine request, give the OTP to the scammers, who thereby get full access to their WhatsApp account. Once they are in, they infiltrate groups that are linked to the victim's account and spread the scam further.

The consequences of such hacks are severe. Scammers get access to all personal messages, photos, and videos, which might lead to blackmail and a violation of privacy. The hackers might even ask for money from the victim's contacts by pretending to be the victim himself. Even if the owner of the account realizes the hack and tries to warn the contacts, the fraudsters often delete the warning message before it is seen.

To avoid falling prey to this scam, Kerala police highly recommend that WhatsApp users never give their OTP to anyone under any circumstances, even if it seems to be from a contact they trust, unless they verify the identity of the requestor. They also advise two-step verification on WhatsApp. This will add an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN or password in addition to the usual OTP.

Be very cautious of unsolicited messages, especially those asking for sensitive information. If you get a request for OTPs or money from an unknown sender, then verify the identity through a different channel before proceeding with the action.

In conclusion, following these security tips and keeping your WhatsApp account safe will ensure your protection of personal information and keep hackers at bay.