POLOKWANE – “It can happen to anyone,” said Sarel Nong when he explained to Review how his name was used in an online scam to extort money from friends and family.
The scammers can target anyone no matter their status and well-known businessman and a resident of Polokwane is one of many unsuspecting victims whose Facebook and WhatsApp accounts have been hacked.
In his case the scammer hijacked his Facebook account and used Messenger to contact people on his friend list to either inform them of his new number or request their contact details.
“The scammer contacted the unsuspecting victims via WhatsApp using my name to solicit money under the guise of an emergency.”
Nong was made aware of the scam on Tuesday afternoon and immediately informed his contacts.
“People should be cautious as it can happen to anyone. As soon as you get a message from a friend or family member asking you for money, get confirmation first via other means before you send any money.”
Nong’s social media account has since been secured.
WhatsApp account hacked
According to a report on Business Insider SA, scam artists can take control of an unsuspecting victim’s account by porting the number to a new service provider. “In so doing the number is linked to a SIM card under the control of the criminal, giving them access to receive confirmatory SMSes from WhatsApp,” explained Philip de Wet.
The victim porting is done without the knowledge of the user. The scammers use this means to either request money, usually under the guise of an emergency, from your friends and family or spread various other hoax messages.
Both Facebook and WhatsApp offer several ways users can secure their accounts.
Click here for tips on how you can secure your Facebook account
Tips to secure your WhatsApp account
Read more: Bank account fraud: Scammers target local pensioners
