After his WhatsApp number was hacked and used to scam a number of his contacts, a Crown Heights rebbi is warning others to beware of such a scam, and the steps one can take to avoid it.
By Anash.org reporter
After his WhatsApp number was hacked and used to scam a number of his contacts, a Crown Heights rebbi is warning others to beware of such a scam, and the steps one can take to avoid it.
The scam works like this. A hacker gains access to a person’s Whatsapp account usually by means of phishing, then messages all of their contacts claiming to be in need of immediate help.
They ask for money right away, creating a sense of urgency so that you won’t investigate the situation any further. The scam usually involves a WhatsApp message, but sometimes a call or text, from someone claiming to be a family member or a friend.
In this instance, a rebbi at a Crown Heights school was hacked and the scammers messaged all of his contacts including fellow rebbis, and parents of his students. The message requests money urgently with a promise to pay it back first thing in the morning.
Sadly, some unsuspecting individuals got scammed to the tune of thousands of dollars.
Once they got money from everyone they could, the scammers send out a text message to all the contacts to try and get them to click on the link and then steals their info.
Steps you can take to avoid falling victim to this scam:
1. If you get a what’s app or text request from anyone for money, call them and verify by voice or video that it’s them.
2. Go into your what’s app account, under settings go to account, and turn 2-step verification on. This can prevent this from happening to you.
3. After the money requests the scammers are sending a message asking you to verify your account or click on a “Whatsapp” link, where they can then steal your info, don’t click on it.
Additionally, even if the request is from a close friend or family member, you should always question urgent requests for money. Scammers use urgency tactics so that you won’t investigate the circumstances of the person who is supposedly requesting money.
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