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A new wave of digital fraud is sweeping across India, and this time cybercriminals are targeting WhatsApp users in a dangerous and highly deceptive way. Many people, lured by quick money, are renting out their WhatsApp accounts for as little as ₹500–₹1,000—unaware that this small amount could cost them their freedom. The Ministry of Home Affairs has now issued a strong warning: never sell or rent your WhatsApp account, or you could face legal consequences, including jail time.

Until now, people commonly heard about “mule accounts” being rented for bank-related frauds. But cybercriminals have now taken this scam a step further. Fraudsters are offering money to individuals in exchange for access to their WhatsApp accounts. By simply scanning a QR code sent by the scammer, victims unknowingly hand over complete control of their WhatsApp account.

Once access is granted, scammers use that WhatsApp number to conduct fraud, send fake messages, and run illegal operations—making the original user liable for all criminal activities linked to that number.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), working under the Ministry of Home Affairs, recently posted a detailed warning video on social media platform X. In the advisory, citizens are urged not to fall for schemes that promise small monetary gains in exchange for renting their WhatsApp accounts.

The process seems simple—but that’s what makes it dangerous.

People are approached through social media ads, messages, or anonymous calls promising easy income.

Scammers convince the victim to scan a QR code under the pretext of activating a service or verifying their account.

Once the code is scanned, cybercriminals gain full access to the WhatsApp account.

The hijacked account is then used to:

• Send fake loan or investment offers

• Request emergency money from contacts

• Spread malicious links

• Carry out large-scale frauds targeting hundreds of people

Users often realize the damage only when they are contacted by authorities.

By scanning the wrong QR code, you hand over complete access to your chats, personal information, groups, contacts, and even cloud backups.

If fraud is carried out using your WhatsApp number, law enforcement agencies may initially consider you responsible, leading to interrogation, criminal charges, and potential imprisonment.

Cybercriminals may extract personal conversations, photos, and contact lists, which can be sold online for illegal activities.

Even if you claim you were unaware, renting out your WhatsApp account counts as enabling illegal activities—making you liable under cybercrime laws.

To avoid becoming a victim—or an accidental criminal—follow these essential safety measures:

No matter how small or large the amount offered, sharing your account is illegal and risky.

Fraudsters often disguise their QR codes as verification links or earning schemes.

This adds an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized access.

If you suspect your account has been compromised:

• Call 1930 to report cyber fraud

• Visit cybercrime.gov.in to file a complaint

Fraudsters use group invites and malicious URLs to trap people.

WhatsApp rental scams are rising rapidly, and scanning the wrong QR code can turn your digital carelessness into a criminal case. The government’s warning is clear: do not fall for quick-money scams and never hand over your WhatsApp account to strangers. A moment of greed can lead to long-term legal trouble, financial loss, and even imprisonment.