How WhatsApp Takeover Scams Happen in Nigeria And How to Protect Yourself

How WhatsApp Takeover Scams Happen in Nigeria  And How to Protect Yourself

WhatsApp takeover scams are rising sharply in Nigeria. Every week, people report being suddenly logged out of WhatsApp, followed by friends and family receiving urgent messages asking for money. In many cases, the victim never clicked any link  yet their account was fully hijacked.

Here is how these attacks happen and the steps you can take to stay protected.

1. The “Send Me the Code” Trick (Most Common) 

Cybercriminals trigger a WhatsApp login using your number. WhatsApp sends you the 6-digit code, but the attacker quickly calls or texts pretending to be:

• WhatsApp support

• Your bank

• A courier rider

• A friend who “used your number by mistake”

• They create urgency and ask you to “send the code”.

• Once you do, your WhatsApp is gone.

2. SIM Swap Fraud (Silent and Dangerous)

Attackers use leaked personal details to trick or bribe a telecom agent into swapping your SIM.

Your network disappears  theirs comes alive.

They then receive all your calls, SMS, and WhatsApp OTPs.

Your account is hijacked before you even know what happened.

3. Compromised Cloud Backups

If your Google or iCloud account is weak or uses a reused password, attackers can access your WhatsApp backup.

They still need your number to fully take over, but having your backup makes impersonation easier and more convincing.

4. Fake Apps and Malware

Installing apps from outside the Play Store or App Store  especially “free data apps”, unknown APKs, and unverified tools can expose your SMS, notifications, and contact list.

This gives attackers everything they need.

How to Protect Yourself (ProtecAI Recommendations)

✔ Enable WhatsApp Two-Step Verification

✔ Never share your WhatsApp 6-digit code

✔ Set a SIM PIN to prevent unauthorised SIM swaps

✔ Avoid apps outside official stores

✔ If WhatsApp logs you out unexpectedly, re-register immediately

How ProtecAI ScamGuard Protects Nigerians

ScamGuard is ProtecAI’s intelligent safety tool built to detect, prevent, and block scam attempts  including WhatsApp takeover attacks.

• Scam Message Detection

Identifies suspicious messages trying to steal your verification code.

• SIM Swap Monitoring (Coming Soon)

Alerts you instantly when your number is at risk.

• AI Behaviour Analysis

Understands Nigerian fraud patterns and blocks emerging threats quickly.

• Fraud Education Alerts

Keeps you informed about new WhatsApp scams spreading across the country.

ProtecAI is committed to building Africa’s most trusted cybersecurity ecosystem  empowering Nigerians with protection, awareness, and confidence in the digital world

ScamGuard is coming!!!!!