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The Independent UK

Technology

Anthony Cuthbertson

BIZARRE: Hackers are hijacking whatsapp accounts through snowballing scam | Mind Blowing Facts

WhatsApp Avast United States

The logo of US instant messaging software Whatsapp displayed on a smartphone's screen, in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on 1 December, 2025 - (AFP via Getty Images)

Hackers have figured out how to hijack WhatsApp accounts without cracking the messaging app’s encryption, security researchers have warned.

The so-called GhostPairing scam takes advantage of legitimate features in order to trick WhatsApp users into linking their account to a device controlled by an attacker, giving them real-time access to messages, photos, videos and voice notes.

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