Scammers are deploying a new trick to deceive chat app users by sending false voting requests. This deceptive tactic exploits the popularity of voting polls that allow users to express preferences for celebrities and sports personalities.
Kaspersky’s security experts caution that these messages may contain links to fraudulent websites instead of legitimate voting platforms. The fake pages mimic authentic voting contests with images of athletes and a “Vote” button, creating a facade of legitimacy to lure users into disclosing personal information.
The scam aims to trick users into revealing their usernames and private 6-digit codes, which can be exploited by fraudsters to take over their accounts. Tatyana Shcherbakova, a Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky, underscores the importance of vigilance, noting that scammers are capitalizing on the trust associated with online voting contests to steal sensitive data.
To safeguard against such hijacking attempts, Kaspersky recommends the following precautions:
– Activate two-step verification on WhatsApp to enhance security.
– Verify the authenticity of websites before entering personal information, especially from unsolicited links.
– Refrain from sharing verification codes with anyone, even if prompted by a seemingly trustworthy source.
– Utilize reputable security software to identify and block malicious websites and links.
By adhering to these guidelines, users can better protect themselves from falling victim to account hijacking schemes.