A new WhatsApp scam involving fake parcel-delivery (courier service) calls is reportedly targeting users in Pakistan.
According to media reports, the scammers present themselves as courier company representatives to gain access to victims’ accounts and later demand money from their contacts.
The scammers typically contact victims through WhatsApp or by phone, claiming that a parcel is awaiting delivery or that an address needs to be confirmed.
They then tell the victim that a verification code will be sent to their phone to complete the delivery process.
But the six-digit code is actually WhatsApp’s account registration code.
If the victim shares the code, the scammer can use it to register the victim’s WhatsApp number on another device, potentially locking the legitimate owner out of the account.
Once an account has been compromised, criminals may contact friends, relatives and colleagues from the victim’s WhatsApp account while pretending to be them.
In some cases, they claim to be facing an emergency and ask contacts to send money urgently.
The fraud generally follows a straightforward pattern:
- Fake courier call: The scammer claims to represent a delivery company.
- Parcel story: The victim is told that a parcel is awaiting delivery or that an address must be confirmed.
- Verification code: A WhatsApp registration code arrives on the victim’s phone.
- Code request: The scammer asks the victim to provide or forward the code.
- Account takeover: The code is used to register the WhatsApp number on another device.
- Money requests: The attacker contacts people in the victim’s address book and asks for urgent financial help.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has previously warned users about fraudulent courier-related communications that seek verification codes.
Security guidance from WhatsApp also makes clear that users should never share their six-digit registration code with another person. Enabling two-step verification can provide an additional layer of protection.
Users should never share WhatsApp verification codes, one-time passwords or PINs with anyone, regardless of whether the caller claims to represent a courier company, bank, telecom operator or government agency.
Anyone receiving a suspicious delivery call should independently contact the courier company using an official website or verified customer-service number.
People should also be cautious when receiving requests for money through WhatsApp.
If a friend or relative suddenly asks for an urgent payment, contact them directly by phone or another trusted method before sending any money.
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