Antigua and Barbuda’s Cyber Security and Communications Department has issued an urgent public warning about a new wave of hacking attempts targeting WhatsApp users across the nation.

The department, operating within the Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, reports that hackers are using sophisticated social engineering tactics to gain unauthorized access to citizens’ WhatsApp accounts.

According to the security alert, the scammers are making WhatsApp calls to potential victims while posing as representatives of WhatsApp groups the targeted individuals belong to. The callers typically announce upcoming zoom meetings and attempt to send malicious links or verification codes.

“You are kindly advised not to click on any link or verify any code,” the department warned, explaining that such actions could result in immediate account compromise. Officials have identified at least one number associated with these attacks (+234 903 891 0718), though they caution that multiple numbers may be in use.

The department emphasizes that legitimate group meetings should always be verified through known administrators or trusted sources. They strongly recommend that anyone receiving suspicious calls should immediately contact their group administrators to verify the legitimacy of any meeting announcements.

As part of their security recommendations, the department advises users to take immediate protective measures, including blocking and reporting suspicious numbers through WhatsApp’s built-in security features.

This warning comes as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect citizens from cyber threats and maintain the security of digital communications within the nation. The public is encouraged to share this information with family and friends to prevent further hacking attempts.

The Cyber Security and Communications Department continues to monitor the situation and urges citizens to remain vigilant against such cyber threats.