South African Police Service, SAPS, scam, scammer, fraudsters, hijacking whatsapp accounts, six-digit code scam, two-step authentication

WhatsApp users have been urged by the SAPS to NOT share six-digit codes through SMS’ thanks to a new scam on the app. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay

SAPS warns residents of NEW WhatsApp scam – here’s what to do…

The SAPS has warned of a new WhatsApp scam that has enabled fraudsters to gain access and hijack unsuspecting victims’ accounts.

South African Police Service, SAPS, scam, scammer, fraudsters, hijacking whatsapp accounts, six-digit code scam, two-step authentication

WhatsApp users have been urged by the SAPS to NOT share six-digit codes through SMS’ thanks to a new scam on the app. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned locals about a new WhatsApp scam making the rounds. According to the SAPS, scammers are hijacking people’s WhatsApp accounts. 

How do the scammers hijack WhatsApp accounts?

The SAPS stated that victims will receive an SMS from a person claiming that they accidentally sent you a six-digit code. The person then asks the victim to share the six-digit code with them as a matter of urgency.

“Hello I’m sorry I sent you a six-digit code by SMS by mistake can you transfer it to me it’s urgent,” reads the message.

What should I do if asked for a six-digit code?

If you received the above SMS or something similar, DO NOT share the code with anyone. If this code is sent to the scammer, they are able to log into your WhatsApp account and make it their own.

Proceed to block the number as soon as possible and report it to WhatsApp so the account can be suspended.

It is also important to enable two-step authentication on your WhatsApp account.

“There are constantly new scams. Always be sceptical and never share any personal information with anyone,”

said the SAPS.

SASSA warns of SCAM where fake officials try to change payment cards

In other scam-related news, it was previously reported that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned about scams where fake officials visit houses to change SASSA payment cards.

SASSA KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) spokesperson Sandy Godlwana revealed that there has been an influx of reports of beneficiaries falling prey to these scams. Gondwana confirmed that SASSA is NOT changing beneficiaries’ cards.

Godlwana urged beneficiaries to not cooperate with anyone who requests that they change their cards. She has encouraged people who have been in these situations to report the incidents to the SAPS. Read the full story here.