reports.

/r/n

The data leak, which was first seen in a popular hackers' forum, is believed to be the largest in WhatsApp's history. The database contains private phone numbers from different countries including Germany, the UK, Egypt, and the United States.</p>\r\n<p>This is a massive concern for millions of users who are now exposed to potential social engineering schemes like phishing, investment scams, and romance scams.</p>\r\n<h2>Whatsapp leaked data up for sale</h2>\r\n<p>More than 32 million of the leaked records are said to be from users in the US, with 11 million from UK users. Other affected nations include Egypt (45 million), Italy (35 million), Saudi Arabia (29 million), France (20 million), Turkey (20 million), and Russia (10 million).&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>Interestingly, the hacker who claims to have the data claims to sell the data set depending on the country of origin. The US data set is said to go for $7,000, and the UK numbers up for a similar per-capita figure of $2,500.</p>\r\n<p>This data can easily be purchased by scammers and can be used for all kinds of malicious activities such as <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"scam-reports/scam-alerts/4745/what-is-vishing-and-how-to-protect-against-it/">vishing and smishing.&nbsp; Hackers have been distributing these files freely among themselves.</p>\r\n<h2>What WhatsApp said about the leak</h2>\r\n<p>It is unclear how these numbers were obtained, but WhatsApp has come out to deny the data breach. News of the leak started surfacing on the 16th of November 2022 and spread like a bushfire on the dark web.&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>But a WhatsApp spokesperson denied the leak saying there is no evidence of a data leak from WhatsApp. He mentioned that the data leak, first claimed by Cybernews, is based on unsubstantiated screenshots.&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p>The spokesperson further claimed that the alleged data is from the 2019 <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://twitter.com/karol_paciorek/status/1597587713867538432/">Facebook leak</a>.&nbsp;</p>\r\n<p><a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meta_Platforms/">Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp and Facebook, has seen its fair share of data breaches. In the past, Facebook users' personal data was allegedly leaked which included phone numbers and other details. Therefore, it would be wise to be wary of being targeted by scams as the alleged WhatsApp leak supposedly contains names of users in addition to phone numbers. Scammers who know both these things about you can make their scams seem more believable.&nbsp;</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-100115","data":{"text":"<p><em>Image source: <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://www.pexels.com/photo/whatsapp-application-screenshot-46924//">Pexels.com

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If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.","description":null,"listItems":[{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167891","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - iOS","titleUrl":"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scamadviser/id6480509109","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on iOS"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167944","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - Android","titleUrl":"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tech.scamadviser","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on Android."}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-169734","data":{"title":"NordVPN","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-13382109","linkTarget":"1","text":"NordVPN keeps your connection private and secure whether you are at home, traveling, or streaming from another country. It protects your data, blocks unwanted ads and trackers, and helps you access your paid subscriptions anywhere. Try it Today!"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-171573","data":{"title":"Incogni","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-15718702","linkTarget":"1","text":"Incogni automatically removes your personal data from data brokers that trade in personal information online, helping reduce scam and identity theft risks without the hassle of manual opt-outs. Reclaim your privacy now!"}}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59517","data":{"align":"left","text":"Popular Stories","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Blogs","_identifier":"block-59530","data":{"items":[{"id":1406,"title":"7 Best VPN Services for Security, Speed, and Privacy","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/7-best-vpn-services-for-security-speed-and-privacy","excerpt":"In a nutshell: A good VPN protects your privacy with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast protocols like WireGuard. The best VPNs also offer wide server coverage, leak protection, and easy-to-use apps for all devices. For 2025, the top providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Mullvad—each excelling in speed, security, or value.\r\n\r\nIn an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.\r\nBut with hundreds of providers out there, how do you sort the secure from the suspect? This guide breaks down the non-negotiable features of a quality VPN and highlights the 7 top-rated services for 2025.\r\nWhat to Look for in a Good VPN: The 4 Non-Negotiable Pillars\r\n1. Ironclad Security Features\r\n\r\nStrong Encryption: AES-256, the gold standard.\r\nSecure Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway. Avoid PPTP.\r\nKill Switch: Ensures no accidental IP leaks.\r\nLeak Protection: Covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.\r\n\r\n2. Verified Privacy Practices\r\n\r\nNo-Logs Policy: No activity or metadata tracking.\r\nIndependent Audits: Verification by third parties.\r\nSafe Jurisdiction: Prefer countries outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.\r\n\r\n3. High-Speed Performance\r\n\r\nFast Protocols: WireGuard and equivalents.\r\nLarge Server Network: Less crowding, more reliable speeds.\r\n\r\n4. Essential Usability Features\r\n\r\nMulti-Device Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers.\r\nSimultaneous Connections: One account, many devices.\r\nUnblocking Power: Netflix, Hulu, BBC ","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false},{"id":1475,"title":"Data Breach Victim? Your Emergency Action Plan Starts Now","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/data-breach-victim-your-emergency-action-plan-starts-now","excerpt":"How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach\r\nWhen Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands\r\nJust received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.\r\nThe numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. Subsequently, strategic action is the only way to minimize the risk and protect your future.\r\nThis guide is your emergency action plan, designed to walk you through every crucial step—from confirming the breach to fortifying your digital life for the long term.\r\nPart 1: Confirming the Breach and Understanding the Damage\r\nThe very first step is to answer the question definitively: Was my data compromised, and if so, how badly?\r\nStart with the basics:\r\n\r\nCheck Official NotificationsReputable companies are legally obligated to inform you if your data was part of a breach. Look for official emails, letters, or public announcements.\r\nCheck Verified Breach DatabasesPlatforms like HaveIBeenPwned help you see if","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false}]}}],"meta":{"title":"Watch out: Over 500 million WhatsApp Users' data leaked","description":"WhatsApp – the world's most popular messaging app with over a billion users – has suffered one of the biggest data breaches in history. 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