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The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police has issued a public warning to WhatsApp users amid a rise in account hacking and mobile money scams targeting individuals nationwide.
In a widely circulated social media advisory, the CID cautioned that cybercriminals are increasingly hijacking WhatsApp accounts before impersonating victims to defraud their friends, relatives and colleagues through mobile money services such as Orange Money and Afrimoney.
“Criminals are now hacking people’s phone/WhatsApp numbers and using them to scam friends, families and colleagues,” the CID said in the advisory.
According to the police, the fraudsters typically target contacts and WhatsApp groups linked to compromised accounts, requesting money under false pretences. The scammers often begin by sending victims a phishing link or message designed to trick them into sharing a verification or encryption code.
The CID explained that once a victim discloses the code, the fraudsters immediately gain control of the WhatsApp account, locking out the legitimate owner.
“The moment you send that code, they take control of your number and WhatsApp, and you will no longer be able to use it,” the CID warned.
Police said victims of the scam risk permanently losing access to their WhatsApp accounts, while their compromised accounts may be used to deceive family members, friends and colleagues into sending money. The practice can also damage a victim’s reputation if the scammers use the account to spread fraudulent messages.
To reduce the risk of falling victim to the scam, the CID urged WhatsApp users never to share their verification or encryption codes with anyone, avoid clicking suspicious links or joining phishing meetings, and always verify requests for money by calling the person directly before making any transfer.
The department also encouraged members of the public to inform their relatives, friends and colleagues about the scam and remain vigilant as cybercriminals continue to exploit messaging platforms for financial fraud.
The warning comes as reports of social media-enabled fraud and mobile money scams continue to increase, prompting authorities to encourage stronger cybersecurity awareness and greater caution when using digital communication platforms.
