The scammers, by deception, hijack victim’s instant messaging account such as WhatsApp, then disguise as the victim to ask his/her family or friends to buy game point cards.
WhatsApp Hijacking
The scammers, by deception, hijack victim’s instant messaging account such as WhatsApp, then disguise as the victim to ask his/her family or friends to buy game point cards.
Modus Operandi
1. Obtaining verification code by deceit
Posing as the victim＇s family or friends, scammers send victims messages asking them to relay the verification code of social media apps. Using the victim’s phone number to open a new account on instant messaging apps, scammers hijack the victim’s account.
2. Rob account
The scammers used the victim’s phone number to log in to his WhatsApp account, thereby robbing the victim’s account.
3. Obtaining game point cards by deceit
After successfully taking over the control of the victim’s account, scammers send messages to his/her family and friends, asking them to buy game point cards and send the game point card serial number to the scammers.
Anti-scam advice
Activate two-factor authentication for instant messaging apps
To keep your account secure, do not give the social media verification code of your instant messaging apps to anyone
If anyone you know asks you, through social media, to buy game point cards for them or transfer money, verify his/her identity first
When in doubt, call Anti-scam Helpline 18222
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