WhatsApp: Users warned of scam message from known contacts, here’s what to look out for

WhatsApp users are being urged to be extra vigilant as a resurgence of this dreaded scam has given fraudsters access to hundreds of victims' accounts. The scam is a repeat of the six-digit code trick that suddenly appears on your device followed by somebody pretending to be one of your contacts asking you to forward it to them.

Cyber experts at Action Fraud issued the warninglast month after 60 reports of the incident but now it seems that the ruse is gaining traction once again. WhatsApp users are advised that if this happens to you, stop and end the conversation at once. Chances are that your friend has been hacked and that you are being duped by a scammer.

WhatsApp six-digit code scam

The deception begins when users receive a message from an actual friend in their contact list starting what appears to be a normal chat. As soon as the conversation begins, a six-digit code will suddenly appear on the user’s device.

At this point, the friend will say that the code has been sent to the user’s device in error and ask for it to be forwarded to them. However, this code has been sent because the scammer has been trying to log in to WhatsApp using their mobile number.

The scam works because WhatsApp requires a randomly generated six-digit code for a new device to access an account. It is these numbers the hackers need in order to access your WhatsApp account and so it is likely the friend’s account has already been compromised, as per the Daily Express.

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How to stay safe

Action Fraud has come up with a checklist of things you can do to stay safe and improve your protection against these kind of scams that are increasingly widespread and deceptively easy to fall for.

• Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account: Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable.
• THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity.
• Never share your account’s activation code (that’s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS)
• You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.

Victims of fraud or cyber crime can report what happened to them by contacting Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

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Sources used:

- The Daily Express 'WhatsApp users urged to watch out as criminals try to take over your account'

- The Mirror 'Terrifying WhatsApp scam is back and it's just as dangerous as before - delete this convincing text now'

- Action Fraud 'Warning issued to WhatsApp users over account takeover scam'