Call Forwarding Scam on WhatsApp: What You Need to Know

In today’s digital world, scams and frauds are becoming more common than ever before. One such scam that has been on the rise is the call forwarding scam on WhatsApp. This scam is a type of social engineering attack that tricks users into forwarding their calls to the attacker’s number. In this article, we will discuss what this scam is, how it works, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam.

What is the Call Forwarding Scam on WhatsApp?

The call forwarding scam on WhatsApp is a type of scam where attackers trick users into forwarding their calls to the attacker’s number. The attackers usually contact the victim through WhatsApp and impersonate a known person, such as a friend, family member, or colleague. They then ask the victim to forward their calls to another number, claiming that they are facing network issues or have lost their phone.

Once the victim forwards their calls, the attackers can use this to their advantage in many ways. They can intercept sensitive information, such as OTPs (One-Time Passwords), bank details, or other personal data that is sent through calls. They can also use this method to gain access to the victim’s accounts by resetting passwords, as many services rely on phone calls for verification.

How Does the Call Forwarding Scam Work?

The call forwarding scam on WhatsApp works by taking advantage of the trust that people have in their contacts. The attackers often impersonate a trusted person and gain the victim’s trust through familiarity. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, they request that the victim forward their calls to another number, claiming that they are facing network issues.

Once the victim forwards their calls, the attackers can intercept any sensitive information that is sent through calls. They can also use this method to gain access to the victim’s accounts by resetting passwords, as many services rely on phone calls for verification.

Also, this scam typically involves a hacker first obtaining the victim’s phone number and SIM card information through social engineering or other means. Once they have this information, they will contact the victim’s mobile service provider and impersonate the victim, claiming that they have lost their phone and need to forward all calls to a new number.

If successful, the hacker can then intercept any SMS messages or phone calls, including the verification codes that WhatsApp sends to the victim’s phone number. With these codes, the hacker can then reset the victim’s WhatsApp account password and gain access to their account.

This type of attack can be particularly effective because many people rely heavily on their mobile phones for communication and verification purposes. If a hacker can successfully impersonate a victim and convince their mobile service provider to forward calls to a new number, they can effectively take control of the victim’s phone and any associated accounts.

The MMI Codes Method

The MMI code trick is a well-known method for accessing hidden menus and functions on mobile devices. MMI stands for Man-Machine Interface, and the codes are a series of digits that can be entered into the dialer app on a mobile phone.

One common use of MMI codes is to access information about a phone’s hardware or software, such as the battery level or firmware version. For example, entering ##4636## on an Android device will bring up a menu with information about the phone’s battery, Wi-Fi, and other system settings.

Another use of MMI codes is to perform certain actions, such as activating call forwarding or blocking incoming calls from a specific number. However, it is important to note that some of these codes can be dangerous if used improperly and can potentially cause permanent damage to the device or the user’s account.

For example, some hackers have used MMI codes in conjunction with the call forwarding scam to gain access to victims’ accounts. By convincing a victim to enter a specific code into their phone’s dialer app, the hacker can forward calls and messages to a different number, giving them control over the victim’s phone and any associated accounts.

Signs That WhatsApp Account Has Been Hacked

There are a few signs that your WhatsApp account has been hacked, including:

• Phone number is no longer associated with your WhatsApp account
• You’re unable to log into your WhatsApp account
• You notice unusual activity on your WhatsApp account, such as messages sent from your account that you didn’t send
• You receive a notification that your WhatsApp account has been logged into on another device

The Types of Accounts That Are Vulnerable to the Call Forwarding Scam

Any WhatsApp account that’s associated with a mobile phone number is vulnerable to the call forwarding scam. This includes personal accounts, as well as business accounts that use WhatsApp for customer service or communication.

How to Protect Yourself from the Call Forwarding Scam?

There are several ways to protect yourself from falling victim to the call forwarding scam on WhatsApp:

1. Be cautious of unknown contacts

Be cautious of unknown contacts who contact you on WhatsApp and request that you forward your calls to another number. Always verify their identity and their claim before taking any action.

2. Do not forward your calls without verifying the request

Never forward your calls without verifying the request from the person who is asking you to forward them. Verify their identity and their claim before taking any action.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts can add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This can prevent attackers from gaining access to your accounts by resetting your passwords.

4. Use a virtual phone number

Using a virtual phone number for your sensitive accounts can help prevent attackers from intercepting your calls. This can prevent them from gaining access to your accounts or intercepting any sensitive information.

5. Keep your apps up to date

Keeping your apps up to date can help prevent attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities in the app. Always update your apps as soon as updates are available.

Conclusion

The call forwarding scam on WhatsApp is a type of social engineering attack that can have serious consequences for the victim. By following the above steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam. Always be cautious of unknown contacts, verify their identity and their claim, enable two-factor authentication, use a virtual phone number, and keep your apps up to date. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

FAQs

How do I know if I am being targeted by the call forwarding scam on WhatsApp?

You may receive a message from an unknown contact asking you to forward your calls to another number. Be cautious of such requests, and always verify the identity of the person before taking any action.

What should I do if I have already fallen victim to the call forwarding scam on WhatsApp?

If you have already forwarded your calls to another number, immediately contact your network provider and report the incident. Also, change the passwords of all your sensitive accounts and monitor them closely for any suspicious activity.

Can the call forwarding scam on WhatsApp be prevented?

Yes, by following the above steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam. Always be cautious of unknown contacts, verify their identity and their claim, enable two-factor authentication, use a virtual phone number, and keep your apps up to date.

Can the call forwarding scam on WhatsApp affect only certain types of accounts?

No, this scam can affect any type of account that relies on phone calls for verification. This can include banking, social media, email, and many other types of accounts.

Can I use WhatsApp without worrying about call forwarding scams?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp safely as long as you take the necessary precautions. By being vigilant and cautious, you can protect yourself from call forwarding scams and other types of fraud.

How do Hackers use call forwarding to scam users on WhatsApp?

Hackers on WhatsApp usually start by pretending to be a friend or family member and asking the victim to forward a verification code to them. Once the hacker has the code, they can take control of the victim’s WhatsApp account and set up call forwarding to redirect all incoming calls to another phone number controlled by the hacker.

In conclusion, the call forwarding scam on WhatsApp is a serious threat to the security and privacy of users. By following the above steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this scam. Always be cautious of unknown contacts, verify their identity and their claim, enable two-factor authentication, use a virtual phone number, and keep your apps up to date. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your sensitive information remains safe and secure.