SlowMist founder Yu Jian has publicly warned about a rising threat targeting users engaged in over-the-counter (OTC) USDT trading, specifically involving the hijacking of WeChat accounts.
Cybercriminals are reportedly exploiting previously leaked login credentials to compromise WeChat accounts. Once accessed, they leverage the victim’s existing social connections within the app to trick contacts into providing 6-digit verification codes. This bypasses security measures and allows attackers to maintain control over the hijacked account.
Jian notes these attacks frequently occur late at night. The compromised accounts are then used to facilitate scams specifically within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, focusing on intercepting or manipulating OTC USDT trades to defraud victims.
In response to this growing threat, users are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when interacting with new or unexpected contacts on WeChat requesting verification assistance.
Security recommendations include regularly updating passwords and enabling all available login alerts to monitor for unauthorized access attempts on WeChat and other linked accounts.