Sat Nov 23 20:10:03 UTC 2024: ## WhatsApp Scams Surge in Kerala: Police Issue Warning

**KOCHI, KERALA – November 24, 2024** – A significant increase in WhatsApp-based scams has prompted Kerala police to issue a fresh warning to the public. Cybercrime units across the state are reporting a surge in complaints about hacked accounts being used to defraud users.

Scammers are employing a variety of tactics, often targeting victims within their existing WhatsApp groups. Common methods include requests for money under false pretenses, using the compromised account to spread further scams within the group, and deleting warning messages posted by alerted users.

One police officer in Alappuzha recounted receiving three separate scam calls in a short period, each using a unique approach. These ranged from requests for OTPs under the guise of security updates or software fixes to claims that a single login was needed for both WhatsApp and Facebook. While tech-savvy individuals have been able to identify these scams, the police warn that many vulnerable users are falling victim.

A senior cyber police officer confirmed that this type of scam has been ongoing for some time, leading to previous public alerts. The police advise users to remain vigilant and avoid clicking suspicious links or downloading unknown apps at the request of others. The increased number of reported incidents underlines the persistent threat posed by online scammers leveraging the popularity of WhatsApp.

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