TechnologyWhatsAppWhatsApp users warned over dangerous new scam message that can hijack accounts11:37, 10 Aug 2026Anyone who chats via WhatsApp is being urged to stay alert over a worrying new scam that can hijack their private accounts. Security experts at Malwarebytes say they have spotted a concerning new campaign targeting users of the hugely popular Meta-owned service. Messages are being sent to phones that initially seem harmless, with some even appearing to have been sent by friends, family members or other trusted contacts.‌The texts typically ask the recipient to cast a vote in an online poll, perhaps for a school event, a competition or even the cutest pet. It all sounds pretty innocuousness but, sadly, there is no genuine vote waiting on the other side of the link.‌Instead, victims are taken to a fake WhatsApp webpage and asked to verify their account.‌"A scam is spreading through WhatsApp with the goal of taking over victims’ accounts entirely," Malwarebytes confirmed.The security firm says the attack is designed to trick users into authorising a new linked device - such as a laptop or tablet - effectively giving the scammer access to their WhatsApp account.Once hacked, criminals can potentially read private messages, steal personal information and target the victim's contacts.‌This can lead to convincing messages being sent to friends and family asking for money or sensitive information.What's particularly worrying is that there may be no obvious signs that an account has been hacked. Unlike some traditional attacks, victims may not receive password-reset emails or suspicious login alerts. Instead, the hacker's device simply appears as another linked product on the account.That means the attack could remain hidden unless users take the time to check their linked devices.‌Malwarebytes is urging WhatsApp users to do exactly that.Open WhatsApp and head to Settings > Linked Devices. Carefully check the list and immediately log out of anything you don't recognise.Users should also be extremely cautious about unexpected messages asking them to "vote" or "support" someone, even when they appear to have come from a friend or family member.Article continues belowNever click on unexpected links, particularly if you're then asked to verify, connect or link your WhatsApp account.And perhaps most importantly, never follow instructions to link a new device or scan a QR code unless you started the process yourself.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌WhatsAppCrime