Azerbaijan’s Electronic Security Service (ESS) has warned citizens about a recent surge in WhatsApp hacking attempts involving fraudulent links sent from unfamiliar – or even seemingly familiar – phone numbers.
According to the ESS, cybercriminals are exploiting these messages to steal one-time verification codes (OTP) sent via SMS. Once users share these codes, attackers gain access to their WhatsApp accounts, which are then used to send fake messages to friends and family in an attempt to steal money or personal data.
The agency urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow these security recommendations:
Avoid opening links from unknown numbers.
Download apps only from official stores.
Never share OTP or verification codes with anyone.
Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp settings.
Report suspicious activity to WhatsApp support.
Restrict profile visibility—such as last seen, profile photo, and status—to contacts only.
Warn elderly relatives and less tech-savvy users about such scams.
Authorities stressed that public awareness remains the strongest defense against these increasingly sophisticated online fraud schemes.
