Police Sounds Warning: Fraudsters And Hackers Targeting WhatsApp Users

Uganda Today Edition: Police Sounds Warning: Fraudsters And Hackers Targeting WhatsApp Users

In an era where digital communication dominates, cybercriminals have found new ways to exploit unsuspecting victims. The Uganda Police has issued a stern warning to the general public about the increasing wave of fraudsters and hackers targeting WhatsApp users.

The Growing Threat

According to Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Kituuma Rusoke, recent reports indicate that cybercriminals are using sophisticated techniques to gain unauthorized access to WhatsApp accounts. These fraudsters deploy phishing scams, social engineering tactics, and malware to trick users into revealing their account details, leading to identity theft, financial fraud, and the spread of misinformation.

We have received numerous reports regarding hackers and fraudsters targeting mobile telephone users. We wish to notify the public that the following individuals and their contact numbers should be noted:

a. Dr. Howell Kirui: +254735002953

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b. Dominic Kosek: +254 75 4033 882

c. Ezra: +254 787 947 086

d. Kibet Kinandet: +254 105 218 443

These individuals have a tendency of blocking your WhatsApp account and sending you a verification code to re-register, claiming you need to send money for the registration process.

They further persuade you to send additional money with promises of receiving large sums on your MTN line via Safaricom.

Once they gain access to your WhatsApp, they may send messages to your contacts and groups, falsely informing them that you have received millions of shillings.

We encourage victims to report these scams to police and also make an appeal that people desist from falling prey to these schemes. People should stick to official communication channels provided by service providers.

How the Scams Work

According to Uganda Police’s Cyber Crimes Unit, hackers use the following methods to compromise WhatsApp accounts:

1. Fake Verification Messages – Victims receive messages appearing to be from WhatsApp, requesting verification codes. Once the code is shared, the attacker takes control of the account.
2. SIM Card Swapping – Fraudsters trick mobile service providers into transferring a victim’s phone number to another SIM card, giving them access to linked WhatsApp accounts.
3. Malicious Links – Cybercriminals send links embedded with malware, which, once clicked, grants them access to the user’s device and WhatsApp credentials.
4. Impersonation Scams – Hackers gain access to an individual’s account and use it to request money from their contacts, pretending to be in an emergency.

Police Advisory to the Public

The Uganda Police urges WhatsApp users to be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their accounts. Some recommended actions include:

• Enable Two-Step Verification – This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to gain access.
• Avoid Sharing Verification Codes – WhatsApp will never ask for your security code. If you receive such a request, ignore and report it.
• Beware of Unverified Links – Avoid clicking on suspicious links from unknown sources.
• Use Strong Passwords and Secure SIM Cards – Contact your mobile provider to enable SIM lock protection.
• Report Suspicious Activity – Users are encouraged to report fraud cases to Uganda Police’s Cyber Crimes Unit immediately.

Conclusion

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Uganda Police emphasizes the importance of digital awareness and cybersecurity measures. PRO Rusoke Kituuma and the public are urged to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to prevent falling victim to these fraudsters.

The digital space may offer convenience, but it also presents risks that require users to stay informed and vigilant at all times.

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