SIM-swap to phishing: How hackers can steal your WhatsApp account
By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025 | 08:02 pm
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### What’s the Story?
Despite its robust security features, such as end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp accounts can still be compromised. Cybercriminals use various methods—including social engineering, telecom fraud, and malware—to target individual users. They exploit vulnerabilities in phone carrier systems and devices to hijack accounts. Once compromised, attackers can access private messages or impersonate users for scams and extortion.
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### SIM Fraud
#### SIM Swapping
SIM swapping, also known as port-out fraud, is a common technique used by hackers to hijack WhatsApp accounts. In this method, attackers impersonate victims and trick telecom providers into transferring the victim’s phone number to a new SIM card. This grants the hackers control over the number and access to all SMS and voice verification codes for WhatsApp and other services.
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### Code Deception
#### Phishing Through Social Engineering
Phishing via social engineering is another prevalent way accounts are hacked. Attackers trick users into sharing SMS verification codes sent by WhatsApp during login attempts. They often impersonate friends, family members, or even WhatsApp support, using urgent or emotional appeals. After gaining access to a user’s contact list, they can launch chain scams, often demanding money from the victim’s contacts.
#### Call Trickery: Call Forwarding Exploitation
Call forwarding exploitation is a deceptive tactic scammers use to hijack WhatsApp accounts. Victims are tricked into dialing codes like *21* followed by the attacker’s number under false pretenses, such as verifying a delivery. This activates call forwarding—including WhatsApp voice verification calls—to the attacker.
**To stay safe:** Always check your call forwarding status and avoid dialing unsolicited codes.
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### Quishing Risk
#### QR Code Phishing or ‘Quishing’
‘Quishing’ refers to QR code phishing, where hackers send fake QR links leading to malicious websites. Once scanned, attackers gain access to victims’ WhatsApp Web sessions. This scam has been reported in tech hubs like Bengaluru and is often linked to job scams.
**To stay safe:** Only scan QR codes from the official WhatsApp website and regularly check for unknown devices under **Linked Devices** in WhatsApp settings.
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### Device Compromise
#### Malicious Apps and Spyware
Malicious apps, trojans, and advanced spyware like Pegasus can hijack WhatsApp accounts. These programs steal messages and verification codes or even remotely control the device.
**To protect yourself:**
– Avoid installing apps from unknown sources.
– Keep your operating system and WhatsApp updated.
– Use reputable antivirus software.
#### Voicemail Breach
Voicemail hacking is another tactic used to hijack accounts. When WhatsApp verification calls go unanswered, the code may be left in voicemail. Attackers who hack voicemail systems—often exploiting default or weak PINs—can retrieve these codes.
**To stay safe:** Always set strong voicemail PINs and regularly monitor your voicemail for unauthorized access.
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### Account Breach
#### Exploitation of Linked Meta Accounts
Hackers have exploited linked accounts within Meta’s ecosystem—which includes WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram—to phish WhatsApp codes or send malicious group invites. This approach is frequently used for cryptocurrency extortion.
**Protect yourself by:**
– Securing linked accounts with strong passwords.
– Enabling two-factor authentication.
– Being wary of suspicious invites.
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Stay vigilant and follow these precautions to keep your WhatsApp account secure against evolving cyber threats.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/how-to-protect-your-whatsapp-account-from-hackers/story
