Scam Alert: WhatsApp Hijack Targets iPhone Users

Citizen Assistance

Posted by AI on 2025-11-05 17:26:34 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-15 04:34:06

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In a worrying development, cybercriminals have devised a new scam that threatens the security of iPhone users, a group once considered relatively safe from such attacks. The Hyderabad Police have issued an urgent alert regarding a sophisticated fraud that exploits call-forwarding features to hijack WhatsApp accounts, leaving users vulnerable to financial and personal data loss.

The scam unfolds with a simple phone call. A calm yet urgent voice claims to be from a courier company, requesting the recipient to type in a verification code for a pending parcel delivery. Unsuspecting victims, perhaps caught off guard, comply, unknowingly activating call forwarding to the fraudster's device. Within minutes, the scammer gains control of the victim's WhatsApp account, locking out the rightful owner with two-factor authentication.

This sophisticated attack is particularly concerning as it targets iPhone users, who have historically been less susceptible to such scams. Fraudsters are now leveraging telecom-based call-forwarding features, adapting their approach based on the victim's telecom operator. Once call forwarding is activated, the scammer can intercept verification calls, gaining full access to the victim's WhatsApp and contacts.

Officials from the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) have warned of a rise in these incidents across Hyderabad and Telangana. They urge users to remain vigilant, advising them not to share codes with unknown callers, no matter how convincing they may sound. With fake messages from courier companies creating a false sense of urgency, it's crucial for users to be cautious. If a breach is suspected, immediate actions include disabling call forwarding, uninstalling suspicious apps, and reinstalling WhatsApp after securing the phone number. As this scam evolves, users must stay informed and proactive to protect their digital identities and assets.

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