A new WhatsApp scam is sweeping parts of Europe and users need to watch out for a text that starts with ‘Hi!’, if you receive this then delete message immediately
09:47, 11 Oct 2025Updated 09:55, 11 Oct 2025
The latest WhatsApp scam is sweeping across Europe and Ireland could be next. (Image: GETTY)
If you suddenly get a text from a friend asking for your vote, be on your guard. A concerning new text scam is making the rounds across Europe, and falling for it could see you locked out of your WhatsApp account and put your contacts at risk of being fleeced.
This latest menace has been flagged by the team at Bitdefender and employs an emotional ploy to trick you into clicking links and giving away personal security codes.
It all kicks off with a message that says, “Hi! Please vote for Adeline in this contest, she’s the daughter of a close friend. The main prize is a scholarship abroad. Thank you so much!”.
Let’s face it, if that came from a relative, you might not bat an eyelid before clicking on what seems to be an innocent link.
However, doing so comes with a hefty warning, as you’ll be directed to a bogus website where you’re asked to cast your vote. Once clicked, a message immediately pops up requesting your phone number, along with a code that will be sent to your device, reports the Mirror.
This is where things take a sinister turn, as there is no actual vote. It’s purely a con aimed at gaining access to WhatsApp accounts.
It’s quite straightforward: once a cyber crook gets hold of a phone number and the WhatsApp security code you’ve just handed over, they can then break into your account and lock you out.
The fraudsters then start firing off more phoney messages to your contacts, which can be used to dupe people into parting with their cash or personal information.
Explaining further, Bitdefender said: “This gives attackers instant access to their accounts, which they then use to propagate the scam and defraud new victims of money,”.
The threat remains active with criminals now operating 177 fraudulent domains and 554 unique URLs, targeting thousands of users over the past two months alone.
“Bitdefender Labs has been monitoring a rapidly expanding campaign that exploits WhatsApp users through fraudulent “voting contests” to take over accounts and steal money,” Bitdefender explained.
“This “Vote for My Child” scam hijacks accounts by tricking users into sharing their verification codes, turning friends and family into unknowing amplifiers of the fraud.”
So far, it appears the majority of the attacks have occurred in regions such as Poland, Romania and Germany, but Ireland could be next, so remain vigilant.
To help WhatsApp users stay protected, Bitdefender has now issued some guidance and tips on how to avoid falling victim to scammers.
These include never sharing any codes and reporting suspicious messages.
Here’s some of Bitdefender’s guidance and three rules to prevent you getting scammed:
- Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone – not even friends or family.
- Verify requests for money or favours through a direct phone call.
- Report suspicious messages within WhatsApp (“More → Report”).
If hacked:
- Try to regain control by requesting a new verification code.
- Contact WhatsApp support at support@whatsapp. com • Alert your bank if funds have been transferred.
- Let your contacts know about the breach.
WhatsApp also advises against sharing any codes with anyone.
In a statement on its help page, the messaging app stated, “To protect your account, WhatsApp will send you a push notification when someone tries to register a WhatsApp account with your phone number. To keep your account safe, don’t share your verification code with others.
“When you receive this notification, it means that someone has entered your phone number and requested the registration code.
“You should never share your WhatsApp verification code with others.”
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