Nagaland Police issue warning on WhatsApp hacking scam

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Police issued a public advisory on Friday warning of a significant increase in WhatsApp account hacking scams.

Scammers are employing two primary methods: sending malicious links or APK files via WhatsApp and other social media platforms, and directly soliciting WhatsApp verification codes from unsuspecting users, it said. The police emphasised that WhatsApp itself never requests verification codes, and “anyone doing this, is for scam only.”

Victims who click malicious links or install compromised APK files immediately lose control of their accounts. “The hacked accounts are used for asking financial assistance from the contact list of the victim. Other criminal activities are also conducted through the hacked accounts,” the police said.

The advisory urged residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves by enabling two-step verification for enhanced account security.

Users should avoid clicking on or installing any links or APK files from unknown or untrusted sources and they should never share their WhatsApp verification codes with anyone, it said.

The police also advised victims to immediately inform their contacts if their accounts are compromised and to take steps to recover their accounts by reinstalling the app to prevent further misuse.

It also recommended that anyone receiving suspicious financial requests via WhatsApp should always verify their authenticity by contacting the sender directly via phone.