Nabilah S
Citizens are being advised to stay alert amid rising reports of WhatsApp account hacks in Papua New Guinea. Cybercriminals are using deceptive strategies to gain unauthorized access to users’ accounts.
One identified tactic involves the hacker utilizing a PNG-registered mobile number that appears with the +676 country code, likely acquired through previous hacking incidents. The hacker initiates contact with a brief greeting, such as “Hi,” and strategically uses a profile picture of the opposite gender to build trust.
Once the unsuspecting target responds, the hacker engages in casual conversation to build rapport. As the interaction progresses, the hacker eventually makes a request, pretending to be part of an online influencer program. The message typically states: “I’m contesting for an ambassadorship course at an online influencers program. Can you please vote for me?” or similar variations may be sent.
Rather than sharing a voting link, the hacker instead sends a code to the victim and asks them to return it. The victim is misled into believing that the code is necessary for the hacker to secure sponsorship. In reality, the code is the WhatsApp verification code. By sending it back, the victim unknowingly grants the hacker full access to their WhatsApp account and contact list.
