Have you been asked on WhatsApp to forward a 6-digit code? Do not do this under any circumstances, this code is the key to your WhatsApp account. Criminals try to convince you to forward it using a variety of reasons.
As our cooperation partner reports, criminals receive this code and use it to take over your WhatsApp account. You will then no longer have access to your own account!
WhatsApp accounts are also targeted by criminals. Anyone who does not adequately protect their own WhatsApp account and passes on personal codes runs the risk of losing their WhatsApp account to criminals. In this article we will show you how criminals try to get into your WhatsApp account and how you can protect yourself from them.
You will be asked in a message to forward a 6-digit code
Many WhatsApp users are currently being asked by an unknown number or a WhatsApp contact to forward a 6-digit code. For example, you write:
Hello i am sorry I sent a my 6 digit code by mistake can you pass it me please?
It urgent SMS code
Hey, did you also get such a strange code?
Can you forward it to me?
The message asks you to forward a 6-digit code to the person. This code was allegedly sent to you by mistake. You probably received the code you were asked for via SMS at the same time. This is a WhatsApp code. The person claims this code is for them and asks you to forward it quickly. You shouldn't do this under any circumstances, because this will allow this person to take over your WhatsApp account.
Attention: If a friend, acquaintance or family member asks you to forward a WhatsApp code, this person is not the person behind the message. This person's WhatsApp account has been hijacked and criminals are posing as this person!
What happens if you forward WhatsApp code?
This 6-digit WhatsApp code is the key to your WhatsApp account. If the criminals receive this code, they can activate your WhatsApp account on another device using your phone number. You will then no longer have access to your WhatsApp profile. The criminals can then impersonate you and write to all of your contacts.
Remember: This code is basically like a password. If you pass it on, strangers can log into your account.
WhatsApp code is like a password
A WhatsApp code will be sent whenever you request it in the app. This is the case, for example, if you want to transfer your WhatsApp account to another device or to a new phone number. If you receive a WhatsApp code without doing anything, it means someone tried to log in to WhatsApp using your phone number. Of course, this can also happen accidentally - if the wrong number was entered. But if you also receive a message asking you to forward this code, someone wants to gain access to your WhatsApp account.
Remember: WhatsApp can also be used on a device that does not contain your SIM card. This is possible with the WhatsApp code. This is like a password. And you should never give out passwords!
My WhatsApp account has been taken over – what can I do?
- , inform your contacts via SMS that your WhatsApp account has been taken over by a stranger. This is important because this person will impersonate you.
- Get your account back : Sign in to WhatsApp with your phone number. You will receive a code again. Then enter this.
- You should now be able to use WhatsApp again.
That did not work? Then the criminals have probably set up two-step authentication in the meantime. But you don't have to worry, the person has still been logged out of your account. This is what you can do now:
- Wait seven days.
- Log in again with your number.
How do criminals use hijacked WhatsApp accounts?
Hijacked WhatsApp accounts are used to steal other accounts. The criminals pose as the person who owns the WhatsApp account and try to get additional WhatsApp codes.
How the accounts are then used for further fraud is unclear. However, we assume that fake news , chain letters, fake competitions or links to malware are being distributed in your name.
How to protect yourself from fraud on WhatsApp:
- Never share your WhatsApp code. Not even friends, partners or family members.
- Be skeptical if someone asks you for your code. Inform the person via another channel that messages are being sent from their account.
- Set up two-step authentication .
Source: Watchlist Internet
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )