Anyone with WhatsApp warned over scam that ‘locks you out’ of chats
A new WhatsApp scam is doing the rounds, and British users have been warned. The scam involves a six-digit code, with people losing access to their chats.
WhatsApp users have been warned of a scam doing the rounds. WhatsApp has more than three billion active users around the world, and the majority of adults in the UK have an account. As cybercriminals come up with new and inventive ways to scam people, a fresh warning has been issued to anyone with a WhatsApp account, even if messages appear to be from friends and family. Users have reported being sent a six-digit code, and experts have warned that this is a nasty scam.
The UK security team at Action Fraud has reported an increasing number of people being targeted via WhatsApp, with one of the largest threats being account takeovers. This happens when people are booted out of their accounts and are unable to regain access. This poses a severe threat to your friends and family, as fraudsters can pose as you to try to scam people in your contacts. People have reported receiving a six-digit code in an SMS message that appears to be from a trusted contact. There is then a follow-up message asking the receiver to forward the code.
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However, the code did not actually come from a trusted contact. It is actually a code sent from Meta to move the WhatsApp account to a new device.
Once the code is entered, the fraudster can take over the WhatsApp account and block your attempts to get back in. Action Fraud has reminded Brits to keep their accounts secure using a number of methods, and to be vigilant of suspicious messages that appear to be from friends and family.
Firstly, WhatsApp users should set up two-factor authentication. To do this, you should go into your WhatsApp app on your phone and tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.
Additionally, you should never share your account's activation code (that 6-digit code you receive via SMS). And if you receive a suspicious code, call your friend or family member and enquire about it.
WhatsApp explained what to do if you receive a code like this. "When you receive this notification without requesting for a verification code, it means that someone has entered your phone number and requested the registration code," it explains. "This often happens if another user mistakenly typed your number when trying to enter their own number to register, and can also happen when someone attempts to take over your account."
To gain access to your account, scammers need that verification code. However, if you never share it, they will never gain access.
"WhatsApp doesn't have sufficient information to identify the individual who is attempting to verify your WhatsApp account," the messaging platform warns.
