ZRP Warns Against WhatsApp Attacks As Top Govt Official Loses Account to Hackers
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a strong warning to the public about an alarming rise in cyber scams targeting social media users, particularly on WhatsApp. Authorities have urged users to exercise caution and avoid clicking on suspicious links from unknown numbers.
While cybercriminals primarily target high-profile individuals such as senior government officials, media personnel, and social media influencers, anyone can fall victim to these schemes. Once scammers gain access to an account, they use it to trick the victim’s contacts into sending money, often posing as someone in an urgent crisis.
Also read: Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume’s WhatsApp Hacked: How It Happened Revealed
ZRP Warns Against WhatsApp Attacks and Reveals Hackers’ Tactics
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi explained how the attacks operate revealing that the hackers send messages from unknown or foreign numbers containing malicious links. Clicking on these links allows hackers to take control of the user’s account. After gaining control, the hackers then send urgent messages to the victim’s contacts, claiming to be in financial trouble and requesting money.
“There is a rampant cyberattack targeting senior Government officials, media personnel, and people across the country, where messages are sent from unknown numbers, usually foreign numbers. The moment you click on a link, you will be hacked,” Nyathi explained.
Nyathi urged the public to remain vigilant and revealed that they are working to bring the hackers to book.
“The public should desist from opening links from unknown sources, and as the police, we are using resources at our disposal to flush out these suspects,” he added.
Top Govt Official Loses WhatsApp Account to Hackers
In one case, a top government official’s phone was hacked, and scammers sent out a message to their contacts.
“I’m trying to send some money to someone for treatment; it’s not going through. I have issues with my account; can you help me send it to the person’s account directly? I will refund it back immediately once my transfer is active,” the message read.
While some contacts were suspicious, others fell for the scam. Two victims reportedly sent money, one losing US$250 and another transferring ZiG500.
Tactics Used by Scammers
The scammers use a variety of deceptive methods to lure victims, including “free data” schemes where they send messages that read “Click this link to get 50GB of free data” and fake prizes where they send messages claiming “You have won $100,000; click this link to collect your prize.”
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