A new WhatsApp scam is exploiting the linked devices feature to hijack accounts by tricking users into voting for friends in online contests. Victims receive messages from compromised contacts that seem legitimate but redirect them to a fake WhatsApp setup page. The attackers gain access to the account without needing login credentials, allowing them to read and send messages from the victim's account unnoticed. This tactic is an evolution of previous scams, using low-stakes requests to build trust.
Users are advised to regularly check their linked devices and log out any unfamiliar sessions, as well as verify unexpected messages directly with contacts.