Simple WhatsApp scam that hijacks your account is so easy to fall for – do NOT get caught
WHATSAPP usage has increased across the globe due to recent events but, unfortunately, so has cyber-crime and hacking.
One to watch out for is an alarming WhatsApp scam that's doing the rounds again and is so easy to fall for.
This simple scam aims to trick you into handing over a one-time code necessary to install your WhatsApp on another device.
A hacker uses an already hijacked account to contact their victim as if they are a known friend.
This doesn't have to be on a WhatsApp account it can be through another messaging service or a social media platform like Facebook.
The attacker then tells the victim that they are struggling to receive their own six-digit installation code and have sent it to them instead.
What the hacker is really doing is trying to login to the victims account and has a verification code sent to the phone number associated with the account.
All the cyber criminal needs the victim to do is hand over this code.
Lots of people fall prey to this crime because they think they can trust the person they are talking to and don't realise the code they have been sent is for their own account.
Once hackers hijack an account they may ask for money or steal personal information like the groups you are in and any new messages you receive.
How to protect yourself from this scam
Firstly, you should never be handing out six-digit PIN numbers to anyone.
You can also take an extra step and set up two-step verification for your WhatsApp.
This means even if someone does get hold of your six-digit number, they will still need an extra password.
To set this up, open your WhatsApp and click "Settings", "Account" and then "Two-Step Verification".
You'll see a message which states: "Enter a six-digit PIN which you'll be asked for when you register your phone number with WhatsApp."
Then choose your PIN and click "Next" to save.
You'll also be given an option to setup a backup email address.
If you have fallen prey to this hack you need to reinstall your WhatsApp and ask for a fresh activation code.
This will reset the app on your phone.
WhatsApp – a quick history
Here's what you need to know...
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum - former employees of Yahoo
- It's one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like "what's up"
- After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of January 2018, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally
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Have you spotted any WhatsApp scams? Let us know in the comments...
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