WhatsApp has become a popular platform for sharing information and connecting with others. However, it is important to be cautious when receiving and forwarding messages, as misinformation can easily spread.
Recently, there has been a forwarding message circulating on WhatsApp, warning users about a supposed cyber attack. This message claims that opening a file named “Seismic Waves CARD” will result in the hacking of your phone within 10 seconds.
Social Media Posts
Many WhatsApp users recently received forwarding message stating:
“Pictures are going to be uploaded of the fighting in Jewish settlements, on WhatsApp. The file is called Seismic Waves CARD. Do not open it, it will hack your phone in 10 seconds and cannot be stopped in any way. Pass the information on to family and friends. They talked about it on TV. A cyber attack on us from all kinds of directions is also starting.”
And we also found this message spreading on other social media platforms.
2025 UPDATE: In March 2025, this message recirculated on social media platforms and messaging apps in response to earthquakes that occurred in Myanmar and Thailand. The message spread through WhatsApp groups and Facebook, as shown below.
“They are going to upload some photos of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on WhatsApp. The file is called ‘Seismic Waves CARD.’ Do not open or view it—it will hack your phone in 10 seconds and cannot be stopped in any way. Pass this information on to your family and friends. DO NOT OPEN IT.They also said it on TV! Share it!”
Fact-Check
During our investigation, we initiated our search by using specific keywords to delve deeper into the matter. As we delved into the research, we stumbled upon a comprehensive report by Snopes. According to the report, WhatsApp had explicitly commented on the message mentioned earlier, categorically labeling it as “false”. This authoritative statement from WhatsApp serves as a significant piece of evidence in debunking the circulating misinformation.
According to Snopes, it was evident that the message had been translated from another language.
Fact-Check
Even though it is highly recommended not to open any suspicious files or links received via WhatsApp. WhatsApp has debunked viral messages about an alleged cyberattack targeting Jewish people through a file named “Seismic Waves CARD.” The company has dismissed these claims as completely baseless. “We have seen similar hoaxes in the past, and we want to assure our users that there is no truth to these warnings,” WhatsApp stated. According to the circulating messages, hackers were supposedly distributing this file to compromise users’ devices. WhatsApp representatives emphasized that no evidence supports these claims and advised users to be wary of unverified information. (Source: NBC News)
Technical Possibility:
While malware can be hidden in images or files, the way this supposed attack works doesn’t match reality. The claim that a phone can be hacked in exactly 10 seconds with no way to stop it is unrealistic. In practice, malware needs users to take specific actions like clicking links or granting permissions before it can cause harm.
Tech ARP explains that photos can be shared directly on WhatsApp without the need for any specific file or app. While image-based malware is technically possible, it requires user action to be activated and would execute immediately once triggered, not after a specific timeframe like the claimed 10 seconds in the hoax message.
Previous WhatsApp Hoaxes:
This isn’t the first time WhatsApp users have encountered a misleading security warning. In 2020, a hoax message circulated claiming that clicking on a link to upgrade to “WhatsApp Gold” would result in malware infection. This hoax urged users not to open videos with bizarre names like “Dance of the Pope” or “Martinelli,” suggesting they were malware carriers. This pattern of using dramatic and urgent warnings to spread misinformation on WhatsApp illustrates a recurring tactic by cybercriminals to exploit users’ fears about security vulnerabilities. Such hoaxes, while initially benign, can morph into actual threats as they spread, potentially becoming vectors for real malware if cybercriminals seize the opportunity to attach malicious links to the hoax warnings. (Source: Forbes)
Summary
The forwarding message circulating on WhatsApp, which claims that pictures of fighting in Jewish settlements uploaded via a file called “Seismic Waves Card” can hack phones, is FALSE. There is no credible evidence or verified reports of such a cyber attack or the existence of a file with harmful content. WhatsApp, along with reputable news sources, has debunked this misinformation.
In any case, it is highly recommended that users exercise caution and refrain from downloading any unknown links or files that they may come across while browsing the internet.
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Title:Hoax Alert: ‘Seismic Waves Card’ Viral Message on WhatsApp Cannot Hack Your Phones
Written By: Cielito WangResult: False
