On June 11, 2025, Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh, issued a stern warning to the public regarding a troubling surge in internet scams, specifically highlighting a sophisticated new WhatsApp hacking scheme. Speaking at the Ministry’s weekly press briefing, Deputy Minister Bawoh brought to light a concerning modus operandi employed by cybercriminals. These malicious actors are reportedly impersonating organizers of legitimate virtual meetings, cleverly luring unsuspecting individuals into what appear to be genuine online gatherings.
The deceptive plot unfolds when victims are prompted to forward a verification code that is seemingly sent to their WhatsApp account. This seemingly innocuous request is, in fact, a critical step that grants these scammers complete and unauthorized control over the user’s WhatsApp account. “Once they gain access, these hackers use your profile to manipulate others, often for financial gain,” Bawoh cautioned, underscoring the severe financial and personal repercussions victims can face. He further stressed the critical importance of digital vigilance, urging all citizens to remain highly alert and to, under no circumstances, share verification codes or any form of personal information with anyone online, regardless of how convincing the request may seem. This warning forms a crucial part of the Ministry’s ongoing, broader campaign to enhance civic awareness and safeguard the public in an increasingly interconnected and digitally reliant world, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from evolving cyber threats.