WhatsApp Hacking Scams Surge Across Pakistan, Including High-Profile Targets

Karachi:Complaints of WhatsApp accounts being hacked are on the rise across Pakistan, with several high-profile figures falling victim to this alarming cybercrime. In recent months, numerous users have reported that their WhatsApp accounts have been compromised. The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Circle in Karachi alone has received around 50 complaints regarding WhatsApp hacking.

In addition to regular citizens, prominent public figures have also been targeted, including former Supreme Court judge Justice Wajihuddin Ahmed and the former Chief of the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Ahmed Channai, whose WhatsApp accounts were recently hacked.

FIA Cyber Crime Circle’s Additional Director, Aamir Nawaz, confirmed that multiple complaints have been filed with the Karachi Cyber Crime Circle regarding this issue. He stated that the criminals behind these hacks are typically involved in financial frauds and operate primarily from Southern Punjab. These hackers send messages to people listed in the contact lists of the hacked accounts, asking for money. Many unsuspecting citizens, believing the request is legitimate, send money to these fraudsters.

Nawaz further shared that the FIA has successfully recovered several hacked WhatsApp accounts and is actively working to address the issue. The Cyber Crime Circle in Multan has also been contacted for coordination in tackling these complaints.

Cyber crime authorities have issued several safety tips for WhatsApp users to protect their accounts:

1. **Do not share your 6-digit registration code** received via SMS or email with anyone.
2. **Enable two-step verification** to add an extra layer of security.
3. Allow only trusted individuals to view your profile photo.
4. If someone requests money from you, always **call to verify** their identity before taking any action.
5. Avoid opening any **unnecessary or suspicious links** sent to you.

These measures are critical in preventing further incidents of WhatsApp hacking and protecting personal and financial data from cybercriminals. As the frequency of such cybercrimes increases, authorities are urging users to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions.