Acquaintance trap on WhatsApp

Fraudsters, who can imitate users' messaging habits with artificial intelligence, impersonate the account owner and demand money from friends and family.

Relatives of Heran Duman, whose WhatsApp account was seized in Kocaeli, were asked for 20 thousand liras each on his behalf. While some people sent money, others noticed the fraud attempt. Duman said that some of his relatives sent money to his account and stated that he filed a complaint to the relevant authorities. It was also learned that many citizens, other than Duman, experienced similar fraud incidents via WhatsApp. It was learned that fraudsters were asking for money by texting and calling. IT Specialist Osman Demircan told Milliyet how WhatsApp was hacked and what citizens should do:

How is it hacked?

1Scammer: "I sent you the code by mistake, can you send it to me?" It asks the user for the verification code with messages such as. The person who obtains the code can open his WhatsApp account on another phone. The verification code should not be shared with anyone.

2The fraudster directs the user to scan the QR code with excuses such as voting in the competition. Thus, he can connect his own device to the user's WhatsApp account. While the user's phone continues to work, the fraudster can use the account.

3Software vulnerabilities in WhatsApp or the phone's operating system can be exploited. Demircan reminded that in 2025, it was announced that a security vulnerability in the iOS and Mac versions of WhatsApp may have been used in advanced attacks.

What should be done to avoid being scammed?

Osman Demircan's suggestions are as follows:

■ Sign out of devices you don't recognize.

■ Do not give your SMS or WhatsApp code to anyone.

■ Do not scan codes whose source you do not know.

■ Turn on two-step verification.

■ Use strong passwords.

■ Keep WhatsApp updated.