There is a new scam that is persistently circulating on WhatsApp and which, precisely because it appears harmless, is causing many victims. It presents itself as a simple request for help: vote for a little girl competing in a dance competition. In reality, behind that message lies a real scam, officially reported by Postal Policewhich invites you to pay maximum attention.
It’s one of those digital frauds that leverage feelings and mutual trust, transforming an apparently supportive gesture into a gateway for cybercriminals.
Because the message manages to fool so many people
The mechanism is simple and therefore effective. The message comes from a contact we know: a friend, a relative, a colleague. The text invites you to express a preference for a young dancer, often accompanied by a photo and a link: “Hi, can you help me vote for the daughter of close friends? Your vote can make the difference. The vote is free, you just need a quick check. There’s a free dance course up for grabs. Thank you so much!”
Nothing that immediately raises the alarm.
By clicking on the link, however, you are directed to a page that imitates a reliable site and asks you to enter your phone number and a code received via SMS. That code is not a vote, but the access key to your WhatsApp account. By entering it, you effectively hand your profile over to scammers, who take control of it in a few moments.
What happens when your account is stolen
Once they get into the account, the criminals start to move quickly. They write to the contacts in the address book, repeat the same message on the fake competition or ask for money directly, inventing urgencies and emergency situations.
The affected person finds themselves excluded from their profile and has no way to notify friends and family. This is how the scam spreads in a chain, exploiting the identity of those who have already been deceived. According to the Postal Police, it is precisely this step that makes the scam particularly dangerous: no promise of easy earnings, no immediate request for money, just an apparent request for help.
How to protect yourself
The experts’ instructions are clear and apply to any suspicious message. It is essential, even when they come from known contacts, if they refer to unclear votes, checks or external sites.
You should never enter your phone number or codes received via SMS on unofficial pages. If the app suddenly logs out or a warning appears about signing in from a new device, it is important not to confirm anything and proceed with account recovery immediately.
The activation of the system also plays a decisive role two-step verificationthe WhatsApp PIN, which adds an additional layer of protection. In case of suspected compromise, it is essential to immediately notify your contacts and report the episode through the official online PS Commissariat channels.
