Scams based on hijacking WhatsApp user accounts are becoming more and more popular.

According to CyberDefence24, fraudsters take over the accounts of randomly selected users, which is possible thanks to reading the verification code during registration. The scammers then contact the target’s WhatsApp friends impersonating the person. The scam is similar in practice to the scams utilizing Blik, which are often used after hijacking a user's Facebook account.

The above method of deception is popular in India, where the fraudsters most often suggest to their victims that money is needed to support the health service fighting the coronavirus.