A new text scam has emerged in parts of Europe, targeting WhatsApp users by tricking them into voting for a fake contest. The scam starts with a deceptive message urging users to vote for a supposed scholarship contest participant. Once users click on the link provided, they are directed to a fake website where they are prompted to input personal information, including their phone number and a verification code.

This fraudulent scheme aims to gain unauthorized access to users’ WhatsApp accounts. By obtaining the phone number and verification code, cybercriminals can take over the account and lock out the rightful owner. Subsequently, the scammers exploit the compromised account to send deceptive messages to the user’s contacts, potentially leading to financial losses or privacy breaches.

According to cybersecurity experts at Bitdefender, the scam has been widespread, with attackers utilizing numerous fraudulent domains and URLs to target thousands of users across Europe. The scheme, known as the “Vote for My Child” scam, relies on social engineering tactics to deceive users into sharing their verification codes unknowingly.

While the majority of reported attacks have been in countries like Poland, Romania, and Germany, users in other regions, including the UK, are advised to remain vigilant. To safeguard against such scams, Bitdefender recommends refraining from sharing verification codes, verifying requests for money or favors through direct communication, and reporting suspicious messages within the WhatsApp platform.

In case of a security breach, users are advised to regain control of their accounts by requesting a new verification code, contacting WhatsApp support, informing their bank of any unauthorized transactions, and notifying their contacts about the compromise. Additionally, WhatsApp emphasizes the importance of not sharing verification codes with anyone to prevent unauthorized access to accounts.