In 2025, Meta blocked 6.8 million WhatsApp accounts linked to cybercrime. Attackers are increasingly using social engineering methods to steal personal data and commit financial fraud. This was reported by Lifehacker, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The main scheme for account theft remains obtaining a verification code. An attacker logs into the system using the victim’s number and then, posing as an acquaintance, asks to send the access code received via SMS, which leads to a complete loss of control over the profile.
To prevent such attacks, experts recommend setting up two-factor authentication in the security section of WhatsApp settings. It is also important never to share codes with third parties, no matter how convincing their story may seem.
Protection against financial manipulation
A common practice is sending urgent requests for help on behalf of a compromised user. Fraudsters often create panic by imitating medical or financial emergencies to induce the victim’s contacts to transfer funds quickly. In such cases, you should ignore the messages and call the person directly via a verified number.
Another method is romance scams, where attackers build trust for months before asking for money. Also, beware of offers for “special” subscriptions to non-existent versions of the messenger that are distributed via links to third-party resources. Installing such applications often leads to downloading malware.
Countering fake institutions
Fraudsters often use logos of banks, delivery services, or government agencies, demanding confidential information or remote access to the device. Legitimate organizations do not make such requests via messengers and do not call from personal numbers.
Fake job offers present a particular danger, where victims are pressured to pay “registration fees” or complete tasks for a small reward. To check the reliability of any organization or charity fund, one should use official websites and independent services that evaluate the activities of such institutions.
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