WhatsApp OTP scam! what is it and how to stay safe
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging services in the world. And since it is used by so many people, it is only natural for hackers and crooks to target it.
To be fair, most users allow hackers to sneak in easily because they’re not paying attention. One of the easiest ways for crooks and hackers to get hold of our WhatsApp accounts is to use OTP. Scammers used the simple OTP to scam people.
What is OTP scam?
Whenever you set up WhatsApp again or on a new smartphone, once you enter your saved phone number, WhatsApp sends you an OTP to your number. You need to enter it to be able to configure WhatsApp.
There are two things you need to remember here – you need to enter your phone number to get this OTP from WhatsApp and WhatsApp will never send you an OTP unless prompted.
Hackers and crooks use this OTP feature to break in. They will pose as friends or family and will contact you on any other messaging platform – via SMS or Facebook Messenger and tell you that they have been logged out of their WhatsApp accounts and I need your help to get in.
The hackers then go on to say that because they are banned from their accounts, they cannot receive OTP on their numbers. So you will receive an OTP on their behalf which you should share with them.
Following this you will get an OTP on your number and the hacker / scammer will ask you to share it with them.
The very moment you do this you will be logged out of your WhatsApp and you will see a message on the app that you have been logged out of this device and your number is in use on another device for WhatsApp.
What basically happened was the hacker put your number on WhatsApp on another device and that’s why they got the OTP. If you fell in love and shared the prosecutor’s office with this person pretending to be acquaintance, you just gave your WhatsApp account.
Hackers can now use your WhatsApp account for unscrupulous activities and block you permanently.
What if this happens?
If you fall prey to these scammers, you should immediately reset your WhatsApp and log back in. You will need to enter your registered number and then you will receive an OTP.
Log into WhatsApp on your device using this OTP. This will block the hacker from any other device they are using with your number.
How to avoid OTP scam?
It is actually quite simple.
Remember, WhatsApp never sends an OPT unless prompted to do so. So if you receive an OTP without doing anything, ignore it and don’t share it with anyone. Not even the closest friends and family, especially if they ask by text.
If you receive such a message from a friend or family member, call them and see if they really need your help on this.
You need to Aldo enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp to be more secure.
WhatsApp has a lot of your private chats and media and it is dangerous for hackers to access it by any means. Pay attention.
