Account Takeover: Dance Voting Scam Targets WhatsApp Accounts Again

Summary

Why is this warning issued?

This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

• Criminals use already compromised WhatsApp accounts and message their contacts.
• The message asks you to vote for a friend's daughter (e.g., 'Eliska') in a dance voting.
• A link leads to a fake voting page (e.g., school-battles.com) that appears legitimate.
• To cast your vote, you are asked to enter your phone number.
• You are then asked to enter an eight-digit code that was sent to you – supposedly for secure verification. In reality, this code links your WhatsApp account to the criminals' device.
• Your WhatsApp account is taken over and used to send further messages to your contacts.
• Further scam attempts are then sent via your compromised account – such as an urgent request for a quick payment (e.g., 670 euros) for a supposed dentist bill.

How to recognise it

• You receive a message from someone in your contact list asking you to vote for a friend's daughter – usually for an alleged dance scholarship.
• The message contains a link to a voting page (in the current case: school-battles.com) that was registered only a few days earlier.
• You are asked to enter your phone number and then an eight-digit code to confirm your vote or link your phone to the voting.
• The featured dancers appear unrealistic due to AI-generated images; the real school ('Erste internationale Ballettschule Prag') has nothing to do with the campaign.
• The links on the fake platform do not work.
• Later on, messages arrive with absurd money demands – for example, 670 euros for a supposedly urgent dentist bill.
• Prize without taking part, or a 'free' offer that requires providing personal data
• Upfront payment demanded for 'fees/taxes'

How to protect yourself

• Do not click on links in messages that unexpectedly ask you to vote or cast a vote – even if they come from a known person.
• Never share a code sent to you via SMS or WhatsApp with third parties. Such codes are used to link your account.
• Verify the request through a second channel (phone call, in-person meeting) before taking any action.
• If your account has been compromised: Inform your most important contacts quickly through other channels (SMS, phone call, other messengers) so they do not fall for the scam.
• Use WhatsApp's step-by-step guide to recover a hijacked account, and file a police report.

What you should never do

• Do not open links in voting or contest messages that arrive unexpectedly.
• Do not share confirmation codes or personal data with alleged voting platforms.
• Do not transfer money if you are pressured via messenger to make a quick payment – for example, for a supposedly urgent dentist bill.
• Do not assume a message is genuine just because it comes from your contact list.

Frequently asked questions

Affected data

Comments

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Original source

Update history

• 19/09/2026Description updated
• 17/09/2026Warning added from an official source