WhatsApp users should be wary of contacts who ask for 6 digit codes, which they will receive in their inbox. It’s the most recent WhatsApp account hacking scam.
WhatsApp, the instant messaging application is not only popular among the people all over the world, but it’s also prevalent among scammers, who use it to trick people into clicking on malicious links and other dubious content.
Scams on WhatsApp are nothing new, and the famous messaging app is now the target of yet another scam. The most recent scam is one that has been going on for quite some time.
Past WhatsApp Scams
In February this year, there have been rumours of a fake WhatsApp version being used to deceive iPhone users and gain access to their personal information. The false version was discovered by Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity research lab at the University of Toronto, and was connected to an Italian surveillance company called “Cy4Gate.” The cyberattack tricked users into downloading configuration files, also known as “Mobile Device Management (MDM),” that allow malware to be easily downloaded onto the targeted device.
Way back in November 2020, another WhatsApp One Time Password (OTP) scam was prevalent which allowed a hacker to gain access to your account and lock you out.
Now, WhatsApp users have been warned about the latest OTP scam that makes it difficult to detect the malicious message because it tends to come from a friend in your contact list.
Latest Scam
In the latest WhatsApp scam, users receive a text message on their phone containing an OTP, accompanied by a WhatsApp message from a friend in their contact list requesting them to share the code. Scammers can easily access the user’s WhatsApp account once they share the code. The real user is then logged out of their own WhatsApp account.
This isn’t a new tactic in the hacking world, and scammers have used a similar method of cyberattack on other sites as well. Calling your friend who sends you a text like this on WhatsApp and clarifying why they want the code is one way to stay secure.
Staying Safe from WA Scam
This isn’t a brand-new scam; scammers have used a similar method of cyberattack on other sites in the past. One way to stay on top of this latest WhatsApp scam is to call your friend who sends you a text asking for the code and explain the situation with them.
However, the best thing to do is to never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone, especially during times when you didn’t request one. There’s a slew of other safety tips that you can follow to keep your WhatsApp account safe.
Securing Your WhatsApp Account
Here are the top five WhatsApp security tips to secure your WhatsApp account.
Two-Step Verification: When re-registering your phone number with WhatsApp, you can allow two-step verification, which requires a PIN, for added protection. This is a fantastic way to keep strangers out of your chats. Goto Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable is where you’ll find this option. You’ll be prompted to generate a 6-digit PIN code, which will be needed when you re-register your phone number with WhatsApp. Be sure to include your email address so you can retrieve your PIN if you forget it!
Privacy Settings: If you don’t want strangers to see your profile picture, read your stories, or display your other personal information, change your privacy settings. All you have to do is set my contacts or just me as your last seen, profile picture, about, and status.
Controlling the Interaction: WhatsApp allows you to ban unique contacts from contacting you in the future. You can simply block the person if you find that he or she is bothering or bullying you. Chats are a good way to do this. You can also choose what to share with your WhatsApp contacts. Sending private photos or texts that you wouldn’t want anyone to see is not a good idea.
Locking WhatsApp: You can lock WhatsApp using fingerprint. To lock your WhatsApp using fingerprint, goto Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock > Enable this option. If anyone gains access to your phone, they will be unable to view your WhatsApp conversations.