Overview
- Prosecutors and cybercrime units report about a 40% month‑over‑month rise in WhatsApp account takeovers linked to fast‑moving financial fraud.
- Scammers solicit six‑digit SMS verification codes to move a victim’s WhatsApp session to another device, then impersonate contacts or bank staff to request urgent transfers.
- In parallel schemes, victims are pushed to install remote‑access apps or use counterfeit banking sites, enabling unauthorized transfers and withdrawals.
- Once funds are obtained, criminals disperse the money through intermediary bank accounts and digital wallets, making recovery difficult.
- Older adults, small merchants and intensive WhatsApp users are being hit, with cases reported in Argentina and Mexico, and authorities urge users to refuse codes and enable two‑step verification.