The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has announced a significant increase in WhatsApp scams and account takeovers in the first four months of 2024.
It says this stems from individuals falling victim to social engineering, resulting in unauthorised access and account takeovers on WhatsApp.
The CSA noted that 187 reports have been recorded as of April 2024, matching the total number reported for the entire year of 2023.
Victims are being tricked into sharing their WhatsApp verification codes with malicious actors, leading to these breaches.
The CSA urges users to remain vigilant and avoid sharing verification codes with anyone.
Read the full statement below:
It would be recalled that in May this year, security agencies in Ghana arrested two WhatsApp fraudsters for stealing over GH₵200,000 in a WhatsApp hack crime.
The suspects, Abdul Latif Abubakar, 22; and Mahammudu Araafat Yasir, 24; were arrested at their hideout in Langbensi and Gambaga in the North East Region through intelligence-led operations by state security agencies.
WhatsApp account takeover is when malicious actors gain unapproved access to an account on WhatsApp.
All a hacker needs to take over an account is a phone number and a 6-digit verification code activated through registering or re-registration of an account.
As such, hackers employ various scams with the sole purpose of obtaining this 6-digit verification code to successfully hack an account.
There are numerous methods through which hackers can gain access to the accounts of unsuspecting WhatsApp users – these methods become more sophisticated over time.
Some of them are through compromised WhatsApp groups, impersonating a friend or relative, posing as a WhatsApp support staff, phishing attempts or the deployment of spyware.
