By Robert Segawa
The Uganda Police Force has issued a stern warning to the public about a growing wave of hackers targeting WhatsApp users for extortion and fraud. The police have observed an increase in hackers infiltrating users’ WhatsApp accounts, exploiting the platform for financial gain.
At a press briefing today at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke highlighted the tactics employed by these criminals. Hackers are reportedly using fraudulent methods to convince individuals to “re-register” their WhatsApp accounts by paying a specified amount of money. Additionally, they have been sending messages claiming the recipients have won money from promotions they never entered.
Rusoke emphasized that these hackers often operate under aliases, using names such as Dr. Howell Kiruyi, Dominic Koseke, Kibeti Kinandeti, and an individual only known as Ezra, mostly originating from Kenya. The scammers have also been impersonating legitimate businesses or promotions, falsely telling users that they have been selected for cash prizes.
The police spokesperson urged WhatsApp users to be vigilant and cautious, advising that if they have not participated in any promotion, they should not fall victim to such claims. He further recommended that users follow guidelines from their service providers to prevent such scams from occurring.
“Users should trust only official communication from service providers and avoid engaging with unsolicited messages that ask for money or personal details,” Rusoke stated.
