7 million WhatsApp accounts closed on suspicion of fraud: How can hackers trap you and how to avoid them?
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7 million WhatsApp accounts closed on suspicion of fraud: How can hackers trap you and how to avoid them?
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ุงูุนุฑุจูุฉ 
WhatsApp has taken down 6.8 million accounts between January and June 2025 for suspected involvement in fraud and organized scam networksโฏโโฏa striking reminder of how pervasive and sophisticated these attacks have becomeโฏ(The Washington Post, AP News). How Hackers Trap You on WhatsApp 1. OTP & PRead more
WhatsApp has taken down 6.8 million accounts between January and June 2025 for suspected involvement in fraud and organized scam networksโฏโโฏa striking reminder of how pervasive and sophisticated these attacks have becomeโฏ(The Washington Post, AP News).
How Hackers Trap You on WhatsApp
1. OTP & Phishing Scams
A common method is sending fake โloginโ messages urging you to share your one-time password (OTP). If you comply, scammers take control of your account and can impersonate you to request money or data from your contactsโฏ(India Today, Outlook Money).
2. SIM Swap Attacks
Hackers trick mobile carriers into transferring your number to a new SIM, intercepting the OTP and using it to access your WhatsAppโฏ(Outlook Money, TimesLIVE).
3. WhatsApp Web Hijacking
Scammers can trick you into scanning a fake QR code or remain logged in to your account via WhatsApp Webโallowing them remote accessโฏ(Outlook Money).
4. Social Engineering & Smishing
Victims receive deceptive invitations or messages (e.g. fake job offers, religious group joins) prompting them to share codes. A real case involved a user accidentally forwarding an OTP after being asked by someone posing as a friendโฏ(Reddit, threatcop.com, Johnny Holland).
5. Malware & Infected Files
Malicious filesโsometimes disguised as images or appsโcan infect your device if auto-downloaded, stealing credentials or installing spywareโฏ(Reddit, Johnny Holland).
6. Crypto & Investment Traps
Scammers lure victims with fake investment schemes, especially involving cryptocurrency, using WhatsApp to distribute links and solicit upfront paymentโฏ(The Washington Post, threatcop.com).
How to Stay Safe: Protection Strategies
Additionally, if you receive unexpected OTPs or notices of login from unfamiliar devices, immediately shut off your WhatsApp access, re-login to reclaim your account, and report the incidentโฏ(Reddit, The Indian Express, TimesLIVE).
Real-World Insights
Bottom Line
WhatsApp account hijacks are risingโand closing millions of scam-linked accounts is only part of the battle. Scammers now deploy multi-layered strategies, from AI-driven messages to social engineering and group traps.
To protect yourself:
Staying vigilant and proactiveโand spreading awarenessโremains your best defense.
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See lessScammers ask for personal information or WhatsApp verification codes, which are used to hack victims' accounts.
Scammers ask for personal information or WhatsApp verification codes, which are used to hack victims' accounts.