Hackers Using Special-Character Phone Numbers for New Scam: One Wrong Call Can Hijack Your Phone

Cybercriminals are constantly inventing new ways to deceive people, and their latest trick involves suspicious phone numbers filled with special characters. A recent case shared by an Instagram user has exposed how a simple call to such a number can lead to instant hacking. The victim received a call from someone pretending to be a courier company employee, who then tricked her into dialing a strange number full of special symbols. The moment she called, her WhatsApp account was hijacked.

This new scam is spreading fast, and experts warn that thousands may fall prey if they don’t stay alert. Here’s how this fraud works, why it’s so dangerous and what you must do to stay safe.

What Is This New Special-Character Number Scam?

In this method, scammers contact people using phone numbers that look unusual. These numbers often include symbols like + , # , * , @ or combinations of digits that appear system-generated. Many of these are internet-based VoIP numbers, which make tracing extremely difficult.

Fraudsters use these strange numbers to call or message users and pose as representatives of trusted companies such as courier services, banks, e-commerce platforms or even security agencies. Their goal is to create urgency and make the victim believe that immediate action is required.

Once the target responds or calls back, scammers attempt to gain access to the victim’s messaging apps—especially WhatsApp—or plant malware that can compromise the phone.

How the Scam Works

Cybercriminals rely on social engineering, a psychological manipulation tactic designed to break the victim’s trust barriers. Here is how the fraud typically unfolds:

1. Impersonation and Urgency

The scammer pretends to be a courier employee, customer support agent or verification officer. They claim there is an issue with your parcel, account or identity verification.

2. A Special-Character Number Is Shared

The caller then asks you to contact a number containing symbols or strange formatting. They claim it belongs to a courier delivery boy, a supervisor or a verification desk.

3. WhatsApp or Phone Gets Compromised

The moment the victim makes the call or interacts with the number:

• Their WhatsApp session may get cloned

• Their phone may get linked to a fraudulent device

• They may unintentionally initiate a security-forwarding process

• Hackers gain access to verification codes

• Malware or spyware can be installed

All of these allow scammers to take full control over messaging apps, which they later use to impersonate the victim and scam others.

4. Victims Often Lose Access Completely

Once WhatsApp is hijacked, the attacker activates their own device as the primary login. Victims get locked out and sometimes must struggle for hours—or days—to recover their account.

Why These Numbers Look So Suspicious

Special-character numbers are intentionally crafted to:

• Appear official or system-generated

• Confuse users

• Mask the caller’s identity

• Bypass caller ID filters

• Mimic international service numbers

Many users assume these numbers are technical support lines. That misconception is exactly what fraudsters exploit.

How to Protect Yourself from This Scam

To avoid falling into this dangerous trap, follow these essential safety steps:

✔ Don’t Answer Calls from Strange, Symbol-Filled Numbers

If a number contains special characters or looks unusual, treat it as a red flag.

✔ Never Share OTPs, PINs or Verification Codes

Legitimate companies never ask for these details.

✔ Don’t Call Back Unknown Numbers Shared by Strangers

Courier staff or official representatives never ask customers to call coded numbers.

✔ Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links

Many scammers send links that install spyware or screen-sharing apps.

✔ Enable Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp and Other Apps

This adds an extra security layer and reduces the risk of account hijacking.

✔ Install Apps Only from Trusted Sources

Avoid APKs or links sent through messages.

✔ Confirm Information Through Official Helplines

Always call customer care numbers listed on official websites, not numbers sent by unknown people.

Final Takeaway

A single phone call can now lead to complete digital compromise. With scams becoming more sophisticated each day, staying alert is no longer optional—it’s essential. Understanding how these special-character number frauds work and following basic security practices can protect you and your digital identity from major loss.