WhatsApp warns its users to check their settings and make a very simple change – here’s what you need to do today. Share this information with your friends!
Attention all WhatsApp users: a very convincing scam has surfaced! Fans of the messaging app are once again targeted by the dreaded “six-digit texting”. This scam is not new, as hackers have used it in the past to attempt to gain access to devices and the personal data stored on them. If you’ve never heard of this threat before, it’s easy to see how people get fooled.
The scam begins when you receive a message from a real friend who appears to be starting a normal conversation with you. At the same time, a six-digit code suddenly appears on your device. At that time, the friend will say that the code was sent to your device by mistake and ask you to send it to him.
If this happens to you, stop and end the conversation immediately. It is almost certain that the friend sending you the message has already been hacked and you will be next if you forward the code. The scam works because WhatsApp does not allow a new device to access an account without verification through this randomly generated six-digit code. These are the numbers hackers need to access your WhatsApp account.
As soon as you send them the code, WhatsApp thinks it’s a legitimate attempt to log into your account and activates the chat on the hackers’ smartphone. For your contacts, online scammers are now you and can continue to text in your WhatsApp conversations or group chats.
Using this method, criminals could also target your friends and family asking them for money through Paypal links. Users often find themselves locked out of their own WhatsApp account for hours, making it difficult to notify targeted individuals.
Here are the essential tips that all WhatsApp users should know to avoid falling victim to this attack. What should you do
Arguably the biggest reason to hide your face is the dreaded ‘friend in need’ scam. This is where the hacker pretends to be a relative and requests a money transfer, claiming to have lost or had his phone and wallet stolen.
