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Popular Sierra Leonean journalist Umaru Fofana has joined growing public concern over a surge in WhatsApp scams, echoing recent warnings by the Minister of Information, Chernor Bah, last week.
In a post on his official Facebook account, Fofana revealed that hackers have been increasingly active over the past two weeks, compromising numerous WhatsApp accounts. He noted that more than twenty people within his own contact list have fallen victim to the attacks.
According to Fofana, the hackers often pose as trusted contacts and send urgent requests for financial assistance, asking victims to transfer money. He described the scam tactics as both “bizarre” and “ridiculous,” adding that the pattern has become so repetitive and predictable that it raises questions about whether people are still being deceived.
However, the situation points to a broader concern about digital security and the vulnerability of WhatsApp users. While some may look to local telecom providers for solutions, experts emphasise that the issue largely falls under the responsibility of Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company. Even so, safeguarding accounts ultimately depends on user awareness and adherence to basic security practices.
One of the most effective precautions, Fofana stressed, is never to share verification codes with anyone. He warned that any unsolicited request for a code sent to a user’s phone should be treated as a clear red flag, as it is often a direct attempt to gain unauthorised access to an account.
As the scam continues to spread, users are being urged to remain vigilant and prioritise the security measures already available to them.
