WhatsApp has become the latest target for scammers and hackers, who are now using OTP tricks to gain illegal access to accounts.
HIGHLIGHT
- Hackers are using OTP pins to hack into users’ WhatsApp accounts.
- Users can enable two-step verification to save themselves from these types of scams.
- Two-step verification can be enabled in the Settings menu.
WhatsApp has become the latest target for scammers and hackers, who are now using OTP tricks to gain illegal access to accounts. The messaging app is widely used around the world and that makes it more susceptible to privacy issues and scams. A lot of your important data can be derived from your conversation on WhatsApp and that is exactly why hackers have chosen WhatsApp to collect your sensitive data.
The currently circulating scam allows scammers to hack into your WhatsApp account using an OTP. You may receive a message on WhatsApp from an unknown number or from a friend’s number saying you are in some kind of emergency. The hacker will ask for an OTP, which he will claim to have sent your number by mistake. When you get messages like this, don’t indulge in any other conversation or send the OTP code, which actually gives you access to your WhatsApp account.
If you send the OTP code to the hacker, his own WhatsApp account will be blocked. This would give the hacker full control of your account. Then you can misuse the access and communicate with your other friends by following the same tricks. The hacker can also collect confidential data or conversations that must be private. Similarly, even when you receive a message from a known contact asking for an OTP PIN, do not immediately respond or follow their request. You can first call him to check if the message was sent by him or was his WhatsApp account. It is even better if you are not pleased with unknown contacts on WhatsApp.
So, to stay safe from such scams, you can enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp. Here’s what you can do to protect your account from scammers.
– Touch the three dots in the upper right corner after opening WhatsApp.
– Touch the Settings option and then select Account.
– Then tap Two-Step Verification.
– When you select 2-Step Verification, you get an activation option.
– When you tap on enable, you will be asked to enter a six-digit PIN.
– You will be asked to enter your PIN twice, followed by your email address.
– When you confirm the email address, your two-step verification will be activated.
– You can disable or change the pin by following the same step.
WhatsApp will ask you to enter your password frequently when you open the application.
