Kenyan, South African Authorities Warn of Rising WhatsApp Scams

WhatsApp users are being targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams, with authorities in South Africa and other regions issuing warnings about new tactics. Police report that scammers often impersonate trusted contacts on WhatsApp, luring victims with surveys or urgent requests that ultimately solicit One-Time PINs (OTPs), enabling criminals to access and drain bank accounts. Another prevalent approach involves phishing messages that appear official, prompting users to click suspicious links and enter personal information, risking account takeover. Experts and law enforcement stress that legitimate banks and financial institutions will never request OTPs or sensitive details via messaging apps, and users should always verify unexpected requests, even from known contacts. South African police and regulators urge vigilance, recommending that suspicious incidents be reported through official channels such as the MySAPS app or Crime Stop line. The widespread nature of these scams highlights the importance of digital caution and proactive verification to protect personal and financial information.