Do you mind voting for my niece? - such messages may seem harmless, but they are often part of a global phishing campaign. Cybercriminals lure users to fake voting pages and hijack their WhatsApp accounts using a clever trick.

🚨 The Voting Scam Explained

Cybercriminals create deceptively real voting pages — with photos, participant lists, and vote counters. Topics vary: sometimes it’s young gymnasts, sometimes school projects or local talents. The sites are available in many languages and appear completely legitimate.

Then comes Phase 1: The bait. The message appears to come from a friend or relative — whose account has already been hacked. You're asked to vote for someone. One click takes you to the fake website.

Phase 2: The Trap. You're asked to authenticate via WhatsApp — using your phone number. Sounds simple, right?

Phase 3: The Theft. The attackers exploit WhatsApp’s web login feature. You receive a code, which — as instructed — you enter into your app. Without realizing it, you’ve just linked a stranger’s device to your account. From that moment on, the attackers have full access: contacts, chats, and your identity.

🧯 What to do in an Emergency

  • Open WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices
  • Immediately disconnect any unknown devices
  • Change Your Security Settings
  • Inform your contacts about the incident

A-SQUARE recommends:

🔐 Enable Two-Factor Authentication

🛡️ Use official messenger versions

🚫 Never click on links that ask you to authenticate

🔍 Regularly check your linked devices

🧠 Stay skeptical — even with messages from friends

 

💡 Conclusion

Help is good — but caution is better. If someone asks you to vote, ask yourself: Would this person really send something like that? And why do I need to log in just to vote? A moment of doubt can save you from a major scam.

A-SQUARE protects you from digital deception. Stay alert. Stay safe.

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