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المديرية العامة لقوى الأمن الداخلي

خدمة.ثقة.شراكة

The Internal Security Forces warn against WhatsApp account hacking through fraudulent links and scam operations.

23/4/2026

Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division
The following statement:

The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces renews its warning to citizens regarding the increasing attempts of online fraud via the WhatsApp application. Recently, it has been observed that unknown individuals are exploiting WhatsApp accounts belonging to known persons (friends or relatives) after hacking them, and contacting their contacts by sending fake invitation links to join groups (WhatsApp groups), under the pretext that they include mutual friends.

It has also been found that these links lead to fraudulent pages that request the user to enter or share a verification code (OTP) received via SMS, enabling the fraudster to register the phone number on their device and gain full control over the victim’s WhatsApp account.

After taking control of the account, the fraudster uses it to contact the victim’s contacts in the same manner and may also request sums of money via applications or money transfer services available in Lebanon, impersonating the account owner under various pretexts.

First: The Directorate requests citizens to adhere to the following:

Do not click on any group invitation link from an untrusted source, even if it appears to come from a friend or relative, without verifying directly with them.

Do not share the verification code (OTP) with any person or entity under any circumstances.

Verify any financial request by contacting the account owner directly.

Activate the Two-Step Verification feature on WhatsApp.

Second: How to activate Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp:

Open the WhatsApp application

Go to “Settings”

Select “Account”

Tap on “Two-Step Verification”

Select “Enable”

Create a 6-digit PIN and keep it secure

It is recommended to add an email address (optional)

Press “Save / Done”

After enabling this feature, a fraudster will not be able to access the account even if they obtain the verification code, without also knowing the PIN.

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