Cyber Fraud Alert: New Scams Exploit Call Forwarding, QR Codes, WhatsApp Rental

• Cybercriminals are shifting tactics, weaponizing common phone features and social platforms like call forwarding, QR codes, and WhatsApp rental for identity takeover and financial fraud.
• Call forwarding fraud tricks victims into dialing USSD codes (*72 or *401#), redirecting all incoming calls, including OTPs and bank alerts, to the fraudster's number.
• WhatsApp rental scams offer passive income for 'renting' accounts; victims scan QR codes, giving fraudsters remote access to send phishing messages to contacts.
• Victims of WhatsApp rental scams face legal and financial risks, as their accounts are used for illicit activities, potentially leading to investigations and account freezes.
• Protect yourself by never dialing unknown USSD codes, periodically checking call forwarding settings (dial ##002# to cancel), avoiding unknown apps, and enabling two-factor authentication.

Why It Matters: New cyber scams exploit everyday phone features and social media; vigilance and understanding these tactics are crucial for protection.