WhatsApp users forewarned of scam messages pretending to be from a friend
WhatsApp users are being forewarned of scam messages pretending to be from a friend.
The worrying scam has been reported by frustrated users
online, with people locked out of their accounts by the trick.
Users of the app have reported receiving messages claiming
to be from a friend, looking for a six-digit code.
Victims of the scam have said they received a message,
claiming to be from a friend, which reads: "Hello, sorry, I sent you a
6-digit code by mistake, can you pass it to me please? It's urgent?"
The code, which is sent alongside the message, allegedly
gives hackers access to your account, the Express reports.
If you send back to six-digit code, hackers can access your
messages, with victims of the trick saying they have been locked out of their
WhatsApp account.
One WhatsApp user on Twitter wrote: "Three members of
my family have lost access to their WhatsApp this morning.
"Hackers send a text message from WA with a
verification code, then a WhatsApp text from someone you know saying they
desperately need the code. Do not send the code or click the link."
Digital Privacy Expert at ProPrivacy, Ray Walsh, told the
publication: "WhatsApp users need to be on the lookout for a worrying new
scam that is allowing cybercriminals to hack into people’s WhatsApp accounts.
"Anybody who receives a message out of the blue with a
one-time PIN code should be extremely wary because this is how the attack
starts.
"Following the receipt of the unexpected OTP code, the
hacker will send the victim a direct message claiming to be their friend or
contact. They will then ask to be forwarded the code by claiming to have
mistakenly sent it to them.
"That code is actually the two-factor authentication
code for accessing the victim's WhatsApp account, and once the victim forwards
it to the hacker they will use it to hack into their account.
"Always be on the lookout for any text messages that
contain an OTP code and never, ever forward or screenshot or otherwise pass
those codes on to anybody, no matter how genuine they sound."
WhatsApp has not commented on the alleged scam at the time
of writing.
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