• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Jobs
  • Career
    • Cyber Security Training
    • Work from Home
    • Cyber Security Analyst
    • Remote Work – Six Ways to Keep Your Data Safe When Working Remotely
  • Field Guide
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Deals
  • News
AskCyberSecurity.com

AskCyberSecurity.com

Cyber Security News & Information

  • Home
  • Data Privacy
    • Gamers
    • Government Cyber Security
      • Legislation
      • Standards
        • What are the risks of computer security?
        • Medical Cyber Security
    • Social Media
  • Security
    • Data Breaches
    • Scams
      • Identity theft
    • Malware
      • Ransomware
  • Software
    • Apps
    • Web Browsers
  • Glossary
    • Cyber Security Acronyms
  • About Ask Cyber Security
    • Authors
    • Contact Us
  • VPN
    • How Do I Know If My VPN is Working?
    • Best Free VPN iPhone
    • Why Use a VPN?
    • NordVPN vs IPVanish
    • Private Internet Access Download
    • Best VPN for Streaming
      • TikTok VPN
    • VPN Porn
    • Computer Security Software – What You Really Need
  • Tutorials
AskCyber Home » News » security » WhatsApp Verification Scam Hijacks Accounts

WhatsApp Verification Scam Hijacks Accounts

2020-06-25 by Michelle Dvorak

WhatsApp Scam Security

WhatsApp Scam Steals Account Login and Private Messages

Hackers are using native WhatsApp messages to scam account credentials from other users. The messages are branded to make it look like they come from WhatsApp tech support and ask the target to verify their account. If the user replies with the requested account information, their WhatsApp account may be hijacked, and all the private images and messages stolen. The scam was reported by British radio giant, Global Media.

In this WhatsApp scam, hackers attempt to trick users into sending them their account security PIN which is then used to take over the account. Once the malicious actor gains account access they can see all of the account details as well as the private images, videos, and messages. They will also be able to call or message anyone on your contact list.

READ: WhatsApp Feature Displays User Phone Numbers on Google Searches

WhatsApp Scam

This scam starts with a request for account verification. The hacker sends the target a message on WhatsApp claiming they accidentally sent an authorization code. 

The scam message appears comes from the “WhatsApp Technical Team” in an attempt to fool the recipient into thinking it is an official communication. The sender uses the WhatsApp logo as their profile photo to add more credibility which increases the chances the victim will follow the instructions in the message.

The message then asks victims to verify their account identity by responding with their six-digit PIN code.

READ: WhatsApp Streaming Scam Steals Account Credentials

The goal is to get the target’s authorization code.

With the exception of general announcements for all users, WhatsApp doesn’t message users on the app. When they do a green verified indicator is visible.

WhatsApp never asks for your data or verification codes.

Does WhatsApp Have a Password?

No. WhatsApp does not use  password to secure your account. But it does have two-factor authentication for both Android and iPhones. The account is registered to your phone. But if an unauthorized user gets your PIN code, they can hijack your account and see your contacts and private information. IT is best to protect your account with two-factor authentication.

How do I protect my WhatsApp account against scams?

Adding two-factor or multi-factor authentication helps to secure any online account. 

How to Set up WhatsApp 2FA PIN Code

To protect your WhatsApp or any online account against scams, set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your account. If someone gets into your account, they won’t be able to login without the PIN code. Also, you should attach your email address to your WhatsApp incase you forget your PIN code. You can change or disable WhatsApp PIN if you have provided an email address while setting up two-step verification.

If you want to take it one step further, add on a reliable device protection app, like Heimdal.

  1. Open WhatsApp on your phone
  2. Tap Settings
  3. Select Account
  4. Tap Two-Step Verification
  5. You’ll see a message which prompts you to select a six-digit PIN
  6. Enter your six-digit PIN
  7. Enter it again to confirm
  8. You will also be prompted to associate an email address with your account. This is another added layer of security you can use to secure your WhatsApp

Your six-digit security PIN number shouldn’t be shared with anyone.

Filed Under: security Tagged With: tutorial, WhatsApp

About Michelle Dvorak

Michelle writes about cyber security, data privacy focusing on social media privacy as well as how to protect your IoT devices. She has worked in internet technology for over 20 years and owns METRONY, LLC. Michelle earned a B.S. in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Michelle published a guide to Cyber Security for Business Travelers


LinkedInTwitterFacebook

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter

We Don't Share or Sell Your Info

Web Browsers

Where Are My Saved Passwords in Chrome?

Google Removes 70 Malicious Browser Add-ons from Chrome Web Store

Firefox 75 Reports Your Browser Settings to Mozilla

511 Tactical

WHAT TO SHOP NOW

Shop

Safeguard Your Money with a VPN

Beat the Stock Market! - Get Rule Breakers!

Malwarebytes Anti-Virus is On Sale!

Shop Kaspersky Anti-Virus

Cyber Security Field Guide

Computer Security While TravelingGet Our Cyber Security Field Guide - Available on Amazon!

Recent Posts

Fake eBay Notification Scam Steals Big Money

Principal Security Consultant – AWS

NJCCIC Announces Alice in Cyberspace 2021

Email Service Cuts Off Gun Rights Nonprofit

Security Engineer – Amazon

Categories

Cyber Security News

Fake eBay Notification Scam Steals Big Money

… [Read More...] about Fake eBay Notification Scam Steals Big Money

NJCCIC Announces Alice in Cyberspace 2021

… [Read More...] about NJCCIC Announces Alice in Cyberspace 2021

PayPal Phishing Scam Steals Accounts

… [Read More...] about PayPal Phishing Scam Steals Accounts

Gun Forum Booted by Domain Registrar

… [Read More...] about Gun Forum Booted by Domain Registrar

More Cyber Security News

Tags

amazon Android Apple bitcoin Career China chrome CISA credit card Cyber Attack Cyber security Data Breach data privacy DHS Equifax Facebook FBI Firefox FTC games GDPR Google Government hack hacker identity theft iPhone Iran IRS malware Microsoft North Korea PayPal phishing phishing email ransomware Russia scam smartphone TikTok tutorial VPN web browser WhatsApp WiFi

Government

FTC Releases Cyber Threat Video Playlist

Malware Found on US Government Funded Phones

UK NCA Reaches Out to Youth to Deter Cybercrimes

Texas DOT Hit by Ransomware Attack

More Posts from this Category

Footer

Menu

  • Home
  • About
  • Authors
  • News
  • Newsletter Signup
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Search

Why Use a VPN?

NordVPN vs IPVanish VPN Review

NAVIGATION

  • Data Breaches
  • Data Privacy
  • Gamers
  • Scams
  • Malware

MEMBER NJCCIC

New Jersey Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Cell

STAY CONNECTED

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • RSS

Copyright © 2021 · AskCyberSecurity.com · METRONY, LLC

Go to mobile version