Everyone uses Whatsapp, either for work or just to chit chat. Losing that is akin to losing contact with your entire social network in one go.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) recently released a warning of a Whatsapp scam that could result in losing access to your Whatsapp account. Read on to find out how the scam works.
There are instances where you might either receive a message from a friend or family member, or even a direct call from a “Whatsapp staff”. They will ask for a verification code that you received via SMS. Do not share the code. In fact, this code should not be given to anyone at all.
If you do share the code, you will find yourself locked out of your Whatsapp within the next hour or so. Don’t panic, as there is a way to regain your account. Simply log back into Whatsapp on your phone. Another verification code will be sent to you, and once that is entered, the other device will automatically be logged out.
If you are asked to provide a two-step verification code and you don’t know what it is, chances are the individual who used your account was the one who enabled it. The good news is that the other individual can’t log in. The bad news is that you have to wait 7 days to sign in without the two-step verification code.
To protect yourself from any unwanted aftereffects of the scam, MCMC recommends reporting the incident to authorities like the police or the commission. But prevention is better than cure so don’t give out your verification code, and consider enabling a two-step verification code on your account first.
However, another way to scam Whatsapp accounts have been discovered. Phone numbers can be searched via web.whatsapp.com domain. When paired with another website that apparently generates verification codes, the less technically literate can be easily scammed.
With the recent privacy issues from Whatsapp, many are now migrating to other messaging platforms.
Sources: Lowyat.net, Whatsapp, HotHardware
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