How to Protect Yourself from the WhatsApp / Telegram "Vote for Me" Scam
The "Vote for Me" scam is a sophisticated social engineering attack where scammers impersonate people you know to steal your account credentials. Here's how to recognize and avoid falling victim to this scam:
How the Scam Works
- Initial Contact: A scammer messages you on WhatsApp using the name and profile picture of someone you know, but from an unknown number.
- The Request: They claim to be participating in a competition and ask for your vote or support.
- The Trap: When you agree to help, they say you'll receive a verification code that they need you to forward to them to "register your vote."
- The Reality: This code is actually an authentication code for WhatsApp, Telegram, or other accounts. By sharing it, you're giving the scammer access to your accounts.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Messages from known contacts but unknown numbers
- Urgent requests for verification codes
- Resistance or deflection when asked personal verification questions
- Unusual or vague explanations about the supposed contest
How to Protect Yourself
- Never share verification codes received via SMS or email with anyone
- Verify identity through a different channel (call them on their known number)
- Ask personal questions that only the real person would know
- Be skeptical of unexpected contacts, especially those requesting codes
- Check directly with the person they're claiming to be via known contact methods
- Keep your accounts secure with two-factor authentication, where possible
/Admin
