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Scam Secrets · Dec 18, 2025 · 28 min

The WhatsApp Takeover

WhatsApp is part of our daily lives – and criminals know how to weaponise that trust. In this episode, Shari Vahl and the team hear how a devastatingly simple trick handed the keys for a Scam Secrets listener's WhatsApp account to a scammer. Along with expert linguist Dr Elisabeth Carter and former criminal Alex Wood, Shari finds out what the hacker did next - and how an old friend was tricked into handing over money. As ever, there will be red flags waving to show you what to watch out for - and essential tips from our guest expert to keep your account secure. PRESENTER: SHARI VAHL PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

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WhatsApp is part of our daily lives – and criminals know how to weaponise that trust.

In this episode, Shari Vahl and the team hear how a devastatingly simple trick handed the keys for a Scam Secrets listener's WhatsApp account to a scammer. Along with expert linguist Dr Elisabeth Carter and former criminal Alex Wood, Shari finds out what the hacker did next - and how an old friend was tricked into handing over money.

As ever, there will be red flags waving to show you what to watch out for - and essential tips from our guest expert to keep your account secure.

PRESENTER: SHARI VAHL

PRODUCER: TOM MOSELEY

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