Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch on Monday, 4th November, 2019, issued a Public Service Announcement to address the rising rate of hacked WhatsApp Accounts in the Country.

The NBA Abuja Branch Chairman, Mr. Folarin Aluko set up a Taskforce under the Branch Technology Law Committee to investigate the incident and provide recommendations and security protocol to protect members of the public from the activities of Spammers who use whatsapp numbers to scam unsuspecting members of the public.

Members of the Public are advised to read and share the Public Service Announcement.

Number Change Scam

WhatsApp has a feature that allows users to change their numbers and swap devices remotely. The Change Number feature allows you to change the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account. Using the Change Number feature in WhatsApp will migrate your account information (including your profile information), groups and settings from your old phone number to your new phone number; and delete the account associated with your old phone number, so your contacts can no longer see your old phone number in their lists of WhatsApp contacts. This is why the Profile picture and status remain the same even after the number has been changed.

Note: When you change your WhatsApp phone number, only participants that are in group chats with you will see that you changed your number. The Notification reads like

+234803 123 4567 changed to +234 907 386 5574

Detailed information on Number Changes can be found on WhatsApp Website.

How The Scam Works

To be successful, this scam needs the full participation and cooperation of the Target, albeit unwittingly.

1.The Scammer initiates the Number Change with a target number remotely. This prompts the Target to receive a Verification Code from Whatsapp.
2.The Scammer then contacts the Target and makes a bogus claim about a promotional opportunity or lottery bonanza or scheme and tells the Target to expect a Verification Code.
3.The Scammer contacts the Target to request the Verification Code as authentication before receiving the Prize, Bonanza or Giveaway. Unknowingly, the Target is providing the Scammer with the code to effect a number change.
4.The Scammer enters the code remotely and changes the Target’s phone number. Note that although individual contacts are not notified, only participants in group chats will see that the number has been changed.
5.The Scammers then send Spam messages to the Target’s whatsapp contacts and groups inviting them to participate in bogus ponzi schemes or requesting for financial assistance, all in a bid to elicit money from unsuspecting contacts.
How to Protect Yourself

Please note that this Scam works even if your Whatsapp Number is verified. Two-Step Verification helps with recovery of the number after the Change. In order to protect yourself please note the following:

1.WhatsApp will never request you to provide a Code for a process you did not initiate. Ignore any request for a promo or verification code.
2.If you receive such a call, *Report the Number* to Whatsapp as Spam and save it on your phone as Spam. This will help other 3rd Party Providers flag the number and alert Potential Targets with TrueCaller or caller id.
3.Group members are notified immediately a number is changed. If possible, contact the person on the initial number to confirm the authenticity of the change.
4.Alert the group Admin to remove the Scammer.
5.If you receive an unsolicited request for money from a contact, please verify the identity of the contact before obliging.
6.Share this message on your groups and with your contacts- Knowledge is Power.
For more information, please contact Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch on social media at:

Instagram: @nbaabuja
Twitter: @nbaabuja
WhatsApp: 07085828911
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nigerianbarabuja