‘WhatsApp Rent’ scam spreading, Police warn public of rising Cyber fraud

Srinagar, Dec 7: A new digital scam promising easy money through so-called “WhatsApp Rent” or “Auto Earning” schemes is rapidly spreading across India, prompting warnings from Jammu and Kashmir Police.

The fraud lures users with offers of Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 per day simply for “renting out” their WhatsApp accounts — but victims soon find themselves trapped in a web of criminal misuse and legal consequences.

“Don't sell your WhatsApp for the sake of earning Rs 500 – Rs 1000. Scammers, under the guise of "WhatsApp Rent" or "Auto Earning," make you scan a QR code, and just like that, your account comes under their control. Then, fraud, scams, and wrongful activities will happen from that very account. And you'll get caught.” J&K Police said post on X on Sunday.

According to police cyber experts, scammers approach people through social media, messaging apps, or online job groups, claiming they can earn passive income by allowing their WhatsApp number to be used for “business purposes.” Once the victim agrees, the fraudsters ask them to scan a QR code or click a suspicious link.

The moment the QR code is scanned, the scammers gain full control of the user’s WhatsApp account. In many cases, the account is instantly transferred to another device without the victim realizing what has happened. From that point on, the fraudsters begin using the hijacked number for illegal activities.

Police Officials said here that the compromised accounts are often exploited for online fraud, money circulation schemes, sextortion, loan app scams, cryptocurrency fraud, mule account operations, and impersonation crimes. Because the illegal activity is carried out using the victim’s registered mobile number, the digital trail leads back to them — not the real criminal.

Cybercrime units across the country have reported a surge in complaints from individuals who unknowingly became intermediaries in large-scale frauds after handing over access to their accounts. In some cases, innocent people have been picked up for questioning because their WhatsApp numbers were linked to coordinated scam operations.

Authorities warn that the promise of quick money is merely a trap to gain control of WhatsApp accounts, which are increasingly being used as digital identity markers. “No genuine company will ever ask for access to your personal communication accounts,” a senior cyber official said. “Scanning a QR code gives the fraudster the power to operate your WhatsApp exactly as if they were you.”

People , police said, are being advised to never share verification codes, never scan QR codes sent by unknown people, and never give remote access to their phones. Enabling two-step verification on WhatsApp can also help protect accounts from hijacking attempts.

As the scam continues to spread, cyber experts are urging the public to remain cautious and report such offers immediately. What appears to be an easy chance to earn a small amount of money, they warn, can quickly spiral into serious legal trouble.

“Don’t sell your WhatsApp for Rs 500,” Police said. “You may lose not just your account — but your reputation, security, and peace of mind.”