A HACKED cache said to contain nearly half a billion WhatsApp phone numbers has reportedly been posted for sale on the dark web – but it may be an elaborate con.
The alleged database reportedly includes 487million mobile numbers from 84 countries – including the UK and US.
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It’s common for hackers to flog their wares using hacking forums on the dark web.
The post in question, as first reported by Cybernews, seemingly attempts to sell a cache of UK mobile numbers for $2,500 – and a US haul for $7,000.
However there is very little evidence that the trove is legitimate, and WhatsApp has already denied that the app has been breached.
For instance, the sample “proof” of the cache contains just under 2,000 numbers – a fraction of a percentage of the claimed package.
It’s possible that these phone numbers may have been acquired elsewhere.
And that means the full dataset might not even exist – and may simply be a case of online crooks trying to scam other hackers.
“The claim written on Cybernews is based on unsubstantiated screenshots,” a WhatsApp spokesperson told The Sun.
“There is no evidence of a ‘data leak’ from WhatsApp.”
The hacker post doesn’t explain how the numbers were acquired.
And although 1,097 UK and 817 US numbers were shared as a sample, it’s possible that they may have been acquired through another means.
It’s alleged that there are 11million UK and 32million US numbers overall.
Although this type of leak is very common, a dataset with such a huge quantity of numbers is rare.
Crooks can use phone numbers for scam campaigns, where they call or text you in a bid to hoodwink you – and take your cash.
But it’s impossible to confirm whether this leak is legitimate, so don’t panic just yet.
It may just be an attempt by cybercrooks to make some quick money from other hackers.
Staying safe on WhatsApp
As always, if you’re worried about a hacking attempt then treat all unsolicited texts and calls with due caution.
Never hand out private information over the phone or via text, especially if someone else has contacted you – rather than you reaching out to an official number first.
WhatsApp attempts to limit spam texts, and has a reporting system that you can use if you receive a rogue message.
“We work diligently to reduce any spam messages that come through our system,” WhatsApp explained.
“Creating a safe space for users to communicate with each other is a priority and we aim to reduce unwanted messages that might be sent on WhatsApp.
“However, just like regular SMS or phone calls, it’s possible for other WhatsApp users who have your phone number to contact you, and we want to help you identify and address these types of messages.”
WhatsApp offers these clues to help identify a scammer:
- Misspellings or grammatical mistakes
- Asking you to tap on a link or activate new features through a link
- Asking you to share your personal information, such as credit card or bank account numbers, birth date, passwords
- Asking you to forward a message
- Claiming that you have to pay to use WhatsApp
If you suspect that you’re being targeted by a scammer, block the contact and report the message.
Avoid forwarding messages on or replying if you suspect foul play.
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