This afternoon.
Via Singapore’s The New Paper:
Victims would first receive a WhatsApp message from one of their contacts, whose account may have already been compromised.
The message will request for their WhatsApp account verification code, which is sent via SMS.
Once the code has been sent to the scammers, the user will lose access to his WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp users receive a verification code when they try to log in for the first time on a new device.
If a WhatsApp user receives this code while already logged in, then it might be that someone else is trying to access his account by inputting the user’s mobile number.
Police said in overseas cases, scammers used the compromised accounts to deceive the victim’s contacts into buying online gift cards, then sending over the password for the cards.
These cards would then be resold by the scammers for a profit.
WhatsApp scam could leave you locked out of account (TNP)
John Wiles writes:
Just been hit by this WhatsApp scam you might like to put a warning out…
Update:
WhatsApp has the option of 2 factor authentication.
FUCKING USE IT PEOPLE.
— Esteban (@ActingTheGom) January 2, 2020
Gulp.