Skip to content
  •   Thursday, February 2, 2023

NUNewsIndustry

  • Business
  • Health
  • Science
  • Technology
  • World
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Latest WhatsApp scam: Hijacker hacks Whatsapp using security code
Technology

Latest WhatsApp scam: Hijacker hacks Whatsapp using security code

2 years ago
Allan

Scammers are continuing to target WhatsApp users and hijack their accounts by impersonating as friends and asking for SMS security codes.

 

The scam has been around for years, yet victims have continued to fall for it, with many sharing their stories on social media.

 

 

Users should never give out their security codes to anyone, even if they appear to be a friend, according to WhatsApp.

 

A report by BBC, sharing one victim’s story, expressed his embarrassment after falling for the “simple” con.

 

 

If you receive an SMS text message with a six-digit WhatsApp code that you did not expect, you may be a victim of the scam.

 

This code is typically required when creating a new account or logging in to an existing account on a new device.

 

If you haven’t initiated the request, it could be a scammer attempting to access your account.

 

The scammer then sends you a WhatsApp message requesting the six-digit code.

 

In reality, that account (your contact’s) has already been hijacked, the message from your friend’s account seems to be legitimate.

 

One victim, Charlie, told the BBC, “I got a WhatsApp message from my good friend Michelle, saying she was locked out of her account.”

 

“She said she accidentally sent the access code to my phone instead of hers, and could I just screenshot it and send it over”, Charlie further added.

 

In fact, Charlie had given the scammer the pin code to his own account.

 

Charlie stated that he had deleted WhatsApp and would no longer use it.

 

 

 

The hijacker can pretend to be you and send messages to your friends and family using a stolen account.

 

They might act as if you’re facing a financial emergency and beg your contacts for money.

 

It also provides them with the phone numbers of your contacts, allowing them to try the six-digit code trick on fresh victims.

 

By gaining access to your account, the fraudster will be able to see sensitive information in your group chats.

 

 

How to keep your WhatsApp account safe?

  1. Never give out your password or SMS security code to anybody, even friends and family.
  2. Enable two-step verification for added security.
  3. If you receive a message asking for money, be cautious.
  4. If you’re unsure, check with a friend or family member.

 

 

Also read: WhatsApp’s new status flaw allows stalkers to track women

 

You  might also like: New WhatsApp bugs could allow remote phone hacking

 

You might also like: New WhatsApp bug allows cybercriminals to deactivate your account

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: antivirus, Computer Security, computers, cyber news, cyber security news, cyber security news today, cyber security updates, cyber updates, cyberattack, cyberattacks, cybercrime, cybercriminals, cybersafe news, cybersecurity, cybersecurity news now, cybersecurity news today, dark web, data breach, Data leak, data stealing malware, DDoS, Distributed Denial of Service, Email, email security, hacker news, Hacks, Infected Installer, information security, InfoSec, infosec news, latest cybersecurity news today, latest whatsapp scam, linux, Mac, Malicious email campaign, Malvertising, Malware, malware app, malware removal, mining bots, Mobile Security, network security, online security, personal data exposed, Phishing, Privacy, python bot, Qbot, ransomware, ransomware attack, ransomware attacks 2021, ransomware gang, ransomware group, ransomware malware, ransomware news, RCE, recent ransomware attacks, Remote Access Trojan, Remote Code Execution, remote desktop app, remote desktop app virus, remote desktop malware, REvil, rootkit, Security, smartphone, software vulnerability, Spam, spyware, Supply Chain, tech, tech news, tech support, tech updates, technical support, Technology, trojan, virus, virus removal, Vulnerabilities, Vulnerability, Web Security, what is ransomware, whatsapp, whatsapp account hacked, whatsapp account hijacked, whatsapp hacked, WhatsApp scam

Post navigation

Chinese hackers attacked NYC MTA using Pulse Secure zero-day
Latvian woman charged for developing trickbot banking malware

Recent Posts

  • Uproar Over iPhone Design Leak-Takes After The Android Phone More Than Ever
  • iOS 16.3 updates to add some more oomph to your iPhone  
  • U.S Citizens In A Welcome Decree To Sponsor Refugees In Country
  • Google drums up a tracker version on the lines of the Apple AirTag tracker
  • Apple reportedly gunning for new MacBook Pro models release very soon  

Recent Comments

    Related Posts

    Technology

    Uproar Over iPhone Design Leak-Takes After The Android Phone More Than Ever

    1 week ago
    Allan
    Technology

    iOS 16.3 updates to add some more oomph to your iPhone  

    2 weeks ago
    Allan
    Technology World

    Google drums up a tracker version on the lines of the Apple AirTag tracker

    2 weeks ago
    Allan
    Technology

    Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of game developer Activision Blizzard runs into obstacles with the FTC.

    4 weeks ago
    nuadmin
    Copyright © All rights reserved | Theme by Mantrabrain