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It is described as a virus that blocks WhatsApp, but it is actually a message with a six-digit code that many receive. Now known as the “New Years scam,” it’s a quick and easy way to take control of other people’s chats.
According to Corriere della Sera, the system is simple but efficient. The victim receives a message with a six-digit code. It appears as an authentic message, as if it came from WhatsApp support, but the hacker requested it on our behalf.
Then comes a message from a number that we do not know, but to make the trap more credible, the sender has a photo of an acquaintance of ours. The text looks authentic: “Hello, I sent you a code by mistake, could you return it?”, And our first reaction is to think that the sender has changed his number, we can trust him.
This is where the second phase of the deception begins. Once the code has been sent, the hacker can impersonate us, just like when we change phones and install WhatsApp on one of the devices, by entering the authentication code. The result is that the hacker will be able to use our chat and we will not.
The scam is based on people’s naivety, because no one will ever ask us for the authentication code. Once the profile is assumed, the chain reaction begins. The hacker can see our contacts and groups, contact our friends and family, etc.
The scam started a long time ago, but has returned in recent days with messages of approach hidden between good wishes. According to ANSA, hundreds of people have already been victims of the scam, including Senator Gianpietro Maffoni.
As a precautionary measure, simply do not give the six-digit code to anyone. If, on the other hand, we have already given it, we can regain control of the profile by asking WhatsApp for a new code. By entering the phone number and code, we should be able to access our profile again and have full control over it. If the hacker has changed the phone number of the profile, we must contact WhatsApp and, in extreme cases, deactivate the account.
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