Several police forces across the UK said WhatsApp scammers are continuing to target users and hijack their accounts.
The scam has existed for a while but continues to catch people out.
WhatsApp said users should never hand over their security codes to anybody, even if they appear to be a friend.
This week, Southwark Police wrote on Twitter: “We have seen a surge in WhatsApp accounts being hacked, if you are sent a text from WhatsApp with a code on it, don’t share the code with ANYONE no matter who’s asking, or the reason why.”
https://twitter.com/MPSSouthwark/status/1409534699287072778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”nofollow
You may be a target of the scam if you receive an text message with a six-digit WhatsApp code that you were not expecting.
Usually you would need this code when setting up a new account, or logging in to your existing account on a new device.
However, if you have not initiated this request, it could be a scammer trying to log in to your account.
In the next step, the scammer sends you a WhatsApp message asking for the six-digit code.
It appears to come from a genuine friend because that account has already been hijacked.
The advice from WhatsApp to UK customers
With a stolen account, the hijacker can message your friends and family, and pretend to be you.
They may pretend you’re having a crisis and ask your contacts for money.
It also gives them your contacts’ phone numbers so they can try the six-digit code trick with new victims.
SEE ALSO:
By hijacking your account, the scammer will also remain in your group chats, where they could see sensitive information.
In a statement, WhatsApp said: “The safety and security of our users and their messages are really important to us.
“However, just like regular SMS or phone calls, it’s possible for other WhatsApp users who have your phone number to contact you.”
It said users should:
Have you had one of the scam texts? Let us know in the comments.
Click Here For The Original Source.
Recently, SEC Chair Gary Gensler issued fresh warnings about cryptocurrencies amid Bitcoin's surge to a…
Pay Dirt is Slate’s money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Athena here. (It’s anonymous!) Dear…
By Virma Simonette & Kelly Ngin Manila and Singapore14 March 2024Image source, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime…
Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and…
Reports of suicides, missing bodies, sexual kompromat and emptied bank accounts as fake sangomas con…
A South African woman has been left with her head in her hands after she…