New 'ghost pairing' scam in WhatsApp (symbolic picture)
Jagran correspondent, Chandigarh. Punjab Police has warned WhatsApp users against 'Ghost Pairing Scam', in which cyber criminals are hacking accounts through QR codes without OTP. This scam misuses WhatsApp's linked device feature, which allows hackers to take control of accounts by sending QR codes through calls, messages, or video calls.
According to the police, cyber criminals are now taking over people's WhatsApp accounts in a new way. This new cyber crime is being called 'Ghost Pairing' scam. The surprising thing is that in this fraud neither OTP nor password is required. Police have advised to avoid unknown QR codes and keep two-step verification on.
Punjab Police said that this warning has been issued after the report of CERT-In, the cyber security agency of the Government of India. The report said that cyber criminals are taking advantage of the linked device feature of WhatsApp.
What is Ghost Pairing Scam?
According to Punjab Police, criminals misuse WhatsApp's linked device system in the ghost pairing scam. Normally this feature is used to connect mobile's WhatsApp account to computer or laptop, but hackers take over the account through this process.
Scan the QR code carefully
In this scam, cyber criminals first make fake calls, messages or video calls to the users. After this a QR code is sent in the name of job, reward, account verification or WhatsApp Help. As soon as the user scans that QR code, his WhatsApp account gets linked to the hacker's system.
The most dangerous thing is that the user does not get any information about it. The hacker silently starts controlling the entire account, then misuses chats, photos, videos, contact lists as well as personal information.
How to avoid ghost pairing scam?
Punjab Police has clarified that WhatsApp or any government department never asks to scan QR code through phone or message. One needs to be cautious of any such message, call or link.
Punjab Police has warned that even a little carelessness can cause huge losses. So be alert, stay safe and spread the information about this ghost pairing scam to others.