Scammers Take Advantage of WhatsApp’s Popularity in ‘Son in Trouble’ Scam: How to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Account Takeovers

A popular scam targeting WhatsApp users in Spain is the “son in trouble” scam, which begins with a message asking for money after claiming to have lost their cell phone. This scam continues to circulate, with attackers also targeting the victim’s WhatsApp account. According to a study by Kaspersky, nearly 90% of cyberattacks target WhatsApp, making it the most popular messaging platform in the world.

Gaining access to a WhatsApp account provides attackers with a credible connection to the victim’s friends, family, and colleagues. This credibility can be used to request money, personal data, or photos that can then be used for extortion. In many cases, attackers use payment services like Bizum, PayPal, or bank transfers to take advantage of the victim’s vulnerability in an emergency situation.

Once attackers have control of a WhatsApp account, they can contact the victim’s contacts to request money or personal information. They may even use voice synthesizers to imitate the owner’s voice in audio messages. Access to graphic material and videos sent through the account can also be used for coercion in requesting money.

WhatsApp has implemented several security measures to protect its users from scams and other cyberattacks, including a two-factor verification system that requires users to confirm their identity before accessing their accounts. However, attackers may try to trick victims into providing this verification code by posing as a trusted contact. It is crucial for users to remain vigilant and take additional security measures like being cautious when sharing verification codes and avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files. By doing so, users can reduce their risk of falling victim to scams targeting their WhatsApp accounts