Islamabad: Mobile users are increasingly losing their hard-earned savings and large sums of money from the comfort of their own homes, as hackers turn ordinary citizens into easy targets for fraud.
According to sources, crime has evolved; where citizens once risked being mugged by venturing into dangerous areas or dark, deserted streets at night, they are now being swindled in broad daylight inside their own homes.
Stealing thousands—and often millions—of rupees through WhatsApp hacking has practically become a daily occurrence in every neighborhood.
The scam typically begins with a WhatsApp message from a close friend, relative, or acquaintance.
After casual pleasantries, the sender fabricates an urgent emergency, claiming they are at a hospital with a critically ill family member, stranded in another city, or have lost their wallet and ATM card.
They then desperately request an immediate fund transfer via EasyPaisa or JazzCash.
Because the message originates from a trusted contact’s actual number, victims rarely hesitate to send the money and often keep the matter entirely confidential to protect their loved one’s privacy.
These two factors—blind trust and secrecy—make it a perfect crime.
Over the past few weeks, millions of rupees have been siphoned off nationwide through this scam.
Meanwhile, the actual account owners remain completely unaware that their WhatsApp has been hacked until hours or even days later.
This leaves a complicated dilemma regarding accountability, as the person whose identity was stolen never actually received the money and is a victim themselves.
Therefore, citizens are strongly urged to remain vigilant.
If you receive any such emergency request on WhatsApp, immediately call the person directly or verify the situation through their family members before sending any money.
In just one such recent incident, a victim was defrauded of 750,000 rupees.
Stay alert and warn your close circles about this growing threat.
