Technology
WhatsApp scam warning as fraudsters pose as real contact and hack your phone – here’s how to protect yourself
FRAUDSTERS are posing as contacts on Whatsapp to hack into people’s phones.
A warning has been issued over the sneaky scam that jumps from one phone to the next.
The new scam sends a message that looks as if it’s from your phone[/caption]
Tech expert and writer Alexis Conran took to Twitter to share the scam to warn followers.
He shared a screengrab from a phone and shared the image with the caption: “This is a WhatsApp scam that continues to catch people out.
“It starts with this text message that arrives on your phone out of the blue.”
In the thread, he told followers that once this message is received, a WhatsApp message will appear from someone in your contacts.
It will read: “Hello, sorry I sent you a 6-digit code by SMS by mistake, Can you transfer it to me please? It’s urgent.
Scam warning This is a WhatsApp scam that continues to catch people out.
It starts with this text message that arrives on your phone out of the blue
pic.twitter.com/U8iawbWoiz — Alexis Conran (@alexisconran) April 1, 2021
Alexis went on to say: “What has actually happened is your friend’s account has been hacked.
“Scammers are now trying to hack all their contacts. You are one of them.”
“They are trying to set up a WhatsApp on a new device with your number.
“WhatsApp acknowledges this and sends a 6-digit authorisation code to your mobile phone by SMS.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM WHATSAPP SCAMMERS
- Do not click the link that you are sent in the SMS message.
- If you receive a message from a contact on your phone and they ask you to send them a code, ignore the message.
- Send a text message, NOT WhatsApp, or call your friend to let them know they have been hacked.
- Install a 2-step verification code on your phone to stop hackers getting into your WhatsApp.
“The scammers now try and get you to forward it to them by pretending to be a friend of yours.”
Alexis explained that if you do send the code to the hacker masquerading as one of your friends, your WhatsApp will then be hacked too.
He advised users to turn on the 2-step verification on their devices if it isn’t already.
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He also said to contact the friend who sent the message to let them know they have been scammed – but by calling them or texting, not via WhatsApp.
This means your friend can sign out of WhatsApp and turn on 2-step verification, which will “shut out scammers”, said Alexis.
Consumer company Which? has now also been informed of the scam and urged the public to be aware.
