WhatsApp ghost pairing has led to a recent rise in cases of cyber fraud involving unauthorised access to users’ messaging accounts.

Ghost pairing is a cyber fraud technique in which attackers gain unauthorised access to a victim’s WhatsApp account.

It occurs when fraudsters secretly link the victim’s WhatsApp account to another device without the victim’s knowledge.

How Ghost Pairing Works

Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to trick users into clicking malicious links or scanning QR codes.

These links often appear as innocent messages such as “Hi, check this photo” or urgent alerts.

Once the victim clicks the link or completes a verification step, the attacker pairs the victim’s WhatsApp account to their own device.

This gives the attacker full access to chats, contacts, photos, and videos without requiring passwords or SIM swapping.

Techniques Used by Attackers

Fraudsters impersonate known contacts, bank officials, or government representatives to build trust.

They use panic-inducing messages, such as threats of account freezing or number blocking, to force quick action.

The attack relies on the victim’s lack of awareness rather than technical hacking.

Risks and Consequences

Attackers can read private conversations and download sensitive photos and videos.

Victims may be blackmailed using personal data obtained from the account.

Financial fraud may occur if banking details, IDs, or card information are stored on the phone.

The attacker can also scam the victim’s contacts by impersonating them.

How to Protect Yourself (Very Important)

1. Never reply to unknown numbers
Even replying “wrong number” confirms your number is active.

2. Lock down your WhatsApp privacy
Go to Settings → Privacy and set:
Last Seen & Online → My Contacts
Profile Photo → My Contacts
About → My Contacts
Groups → My Contacts
Turn on Two-step verification (PIN + email)

3. Never share OTPs or verification codes
No legitimate company, bank, or contact ever asks for OTPs—directly or indirectly.

4. Don’t click links or scan QR codes
Especially those claiming:
Account recovery
KYC update
Prize, refund, or delivery issue

5. Block and report immediately
Open chat → tap number → Block & Report This helps WhatsApp track scam networks.

6. Be alert to emotional manipulation
Fraudsters exploit:
Loneliness
Curiosity
Greed (quick money)
Fear (account suspension)
Silence + sudden reappearance is a psychological hook.