A new text scam is circulating in parts of Europe, warning users to be cautious if they receive a message from a friend requesting a vote. The scam, identified by Bitdefender, utilizes emotional manipulation to deceive recipients into clicking on links and divulging personal security codes.
The scam initiates with a message urging users to vote for a contestant named Adeline in a scholarship contest. Despite appearing harmless, clicking on the link redirects users to a fake website where they are prompted to vote. Once engaged, a prompt requests the user’s phone number and a verification code sent to the device.
By providing this information, users unknowingly grant cybercriminals access to their WhatsApp accounts, allowing them to lock users out. Subsequently, the scammers exploit the compromised accounts to send fraudulent messages to contacts, potentially leading to financial losses or divulgence of personal information.
Bitdefender warned that the scam is ongoing, with attackers deploying numerous fraudulent domains and URLs to target thousands of users over the past months. The fraudulent scheme tricks users into sharing verification codes, thereby enabling scammers to take over accounts and perpetrate financial fraud.
While the majority of attacks have been reported in Poland, Romania, and Germany, users in other regions, including the UK, should remain vigilant. To safeguard against such scams, Bitdefender advises users not to share verification codes, verify requests for money or favors via direct phone calls, and report suspicious messages within WhatsApp.
In case of a hack, users are advised to request a new verification code, contact WhatsApp support, inform their bank if money has been transferred, and notify their contacts about the compromise. WhatsApp emphasizes the importance of not sharing verification codes with anyone to maintain account security.
