I have recently been the victim of a hacker.
I want to share this story as I want to make people aware of the hackers out there.
On Thursday 4 July I received an SMS from Vodacom, but did not take note of it as I was too busy with my work. Later that day, at home, I saw my WhatsApp was not working.
When I wanted to open it, it asked for a pin, to be sent to the new device. I did not realise what that meant at the time.
I don’t know why, but I checked my bank account and saw that airtime of R300 was bought, but the transaction was done done by me.
I then immediately called my bank and blocked my banking app and my internet banking account. I then called Vodacom to see if they could block the number.
Unfortunately, they told me because it was a prepaid number there was nothing they could do. They warned me that the person who hacked my number would send messages to my contacts and ask for money.
The next day I tried to reach all my contacts to warn them about the hacker. For some it was too late.
One of my colleagues and a close friend had already paid R1 000 and R2 000 respectively into the hacker’s bank account. The scammer was using a Tyme Bank account.
The hacker has my banking details, but since I blocked it, the bank assured me they cannot withdraw funds from my account.
The hacker sends my correct details to my contacts, and when they don’t receive the money, they send the Tyme Bank account details.
To the contacts I could not reach in time, and who paid this person, I apologise. The number that is being used by the hacker is 076 816 9221.
Please be aware that if you receive a WhatsApp or Facebook message connected to the above cellphone number, please ignore the request. It is a hacker!
