SP warns public of WhatsApp account hacks in Jowai, urges vigilance

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 23, 2025

The West Jaintia Hills Police has issued an alert following a surge in complaints about hacked WhatsApp accounts in Jowai Town, causing distress and confusion among residents.

According to Superintendent of Police C Syrti, IPS, “In these past few days, numerous complaints have been received from residents of Jowai Town regarding a series of WhatsApp account hacks, which have caused significant distress among the local community.”

Since May 18, 2025, several individuals have reported that their WhatsApp accounts were compromised by unknown hackers. After gaining access, the perpetrators have been sending messages to the contacts of the affected users, demanding money and spreading panic.

“These fraudulent activities, which involve the use of hacked WhatsApp accounts to impersonate legitimate contacts, have led to widespread anxiety in the community,” the SP said. Victims noted that the scam messages often appeared to come from friends or family members, urging immediate financial help—though the actual users were unaware their accounts were being misused.

The police are currently investigating the incidents and have urged the public to remain alert and adopt basic security practices to avoid becoming victims of similar scams. The SP’s advisory includes the following key points:

• Avoid Responding to Unknown Messages: Do not engage with unsolicited messages from unknown contacts. Always verify the sender’s identity through alternate means before responding.

• Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Be cautious of any links or attachments received via WhatsApp, especially those from unfamiliar contacts. These may lead to phishing websites or malware.

• Never Share OTPs or Sensitive Information: Refrain from sharing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or other sensitive information unless you are certain of the authenticity of the request. Always confirm the source before sharing such details.

• Enable Two-Step Verification: Activate WhatsApp’s two-step verification (2FA) feature to add an extra layer of protection to your account. This feature helps prevent unauthorized access, even if your login credentials are compromised.

• Report Suspicious Activity: If you believe your WhatsApp account has been hacked, immediately log out of all devices and contact WhatsApp support. Additionally, report the incident to local Police Station for further investigation.

The police also reminded citizens about available resources:

• For cybercrime complaints: Visit www.cybercrime.gov.in
• For financial frauds: Call the helpline number 1930 immediately.

“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public and are actively working to investigate these incidents,” the SP stated. “We urge all WhatsApp users to exercise caution and take proactive measures to safeguard their personal data and privacy.”