Fraudsters have devised a new scheme on Viber, tricking users into sharing SMS activation codes to steal their accounts, reports Politeka.net.
Fact-checkers from the BRAMA project are warning about this. To prevent fraud, never share your confirmation codes with strangers, block suspicious contacts, and enable enhanced privacy settings.
Scammers pose as representatives from banks, mobile operators, or online services. They send messages or make calls, claiming that entering an SMS code is necessary to confirm registration or activate a service. In reality, this code is used to authorize a Viber account on someone else's device.
As Politeka emphasizes, if the victim shares the code, the fraudsters gain full control over their account, allowing them to:
- communicate on behalf of the user, spreading fraudulent schemes;
- view personal messages, which could lead to a leak of confidential information;
- blackmail the victim or their contacts, demanding a ransom for restoring access;
- change account settings, making it inaccessible to the owner.
What to do if your account has been hacked
- Ensure that the account has been logged out of the device – if you were automatically logged out of Viber, it means it has been activated on another phone.
- Try to reactivate the account – if you have access to the number, enter the new SMS code and regain control.
- Alert friends and acquaintances about the breach, as scammers may contact them pretending to be you.
- Contact Viber support if you are unable to regain access on your own.
Stay vigilant and do not disclose your personal information to anyone!