Hackers take over WhatsApp accounts and then message your contacts asking for money. Most takeovers start with one simple trick: getting your six digit verification code.
How hackers get in
- A "friend" says they sent you a code by mistake and asks you to forward it
- Fake messages claiming to be WhatsApp support
- Someone briefly using your phone to link WhatsApp Web
- Fake prize, job or promotion links
10 settings and habits
- Turn on two step verification: Settings, Account, Two step verification. Set a PIN and add an email.
- Never share your verification code with anyone, ever.
- Check linked devices regularly and log out of any you do not recognise.
- Turn on passkeys or fingerprint lock where available.
- Set profile photo and last seen to My Contacts.
- Control who can add you to groups.
- Turn on "Silence unknown callers".
- Lock your phone with a strong PIN.
- Keep WhatsApp updated from the official store.
- Verify money requests with a phone call.
If you are hacked
Reinstall WhatsApp, verify your number to log the hacker out, tell your contacts not to send money, and contact WhatsApp support from inside the app.
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