Is an acquaintance in need or do you suddenly receive a code by text message? Then pay attention because not every acquaintance on WhatsApp is who he / she claims to be.
Also app scams
The popularity of WhatsApp has a dark side: scammers also find their way to the app. Because scammers like to ‘fish’ in crowded places; that increases the chance of success. Fraud via WhatsApp is currently the most common form of fraud. Learn to recognize scammers and read which measures can prevent fraud.
Pretend to be famous
Fraudsters like to pretend to be known. Supposedly an acquaintance or friend has a new phone number. Sometimes with a profile picture stolen from social media using the real acquaintance. Soon the con man switches to an excuse. Money needs to be transferred urgently, but he/she is not able to do it himself. If you would be so kind as to transfer it. Of course you don’t want to fall for this. Therefore, always remember this:
- Never just transfer money.
- Call the acquaintance on the existing number.
- Wait until you have actually spoken to the acquaintance.
- Is it a scammer? Report the sender’s phone number. (Read the heading ‘Report number’.)
Take over phone number
Scammers like to use a trick that allows them to take over WhatsApp accounts. Anyone who installs WhatsApp new must activate the app after entering the phone number. WhatsApp sends a six-digit code to the entered phone number. Usually by text message, sometimes by voicemail. Only after entering that code in the app can someone use WhatsApp.
The fraudster enters such a number into WhatsApp and has the code sent. It is easy for scammers to collect cell phone numbers. People have them on social media, for example. Then the scammer texts the number that a code was accidentally sent. Will the recipient please forward the code? Anyone who does that will soon lose access to their WhatsApp. Sometimes a scammer uses phone numbers that have been stolen from previous successful actions. Then a message seems even more real because it comes from the number of someone you know. Only that person no longer has control over his own number.
Remember that a phone number and WhatsApp are a duo. An activation code is never sent to another number. If you suddenly receive a code via text message or voicemail, it is never from someone else. Never pass on a code. Dealing with a scammer? Then report the phone number. (Read the heading ‘Report number’.)
Report Number (Android Device)
Report a number in the following way:
- Open the chat conversation with the phone number you want to report.
- Tap the menu (the three dots) at the top right.
- Tap on More.
- Tap on Report.
- Tap again Report.
Report Number (iPhone)
Report a number in the following way:
- Tap the contact/phone number you want to report.
- Scroll down and tap Report contact.
Two-step verification
With two-step verification, you set another code in addition to the activation code. It protects your account. If a scammer knows your phone number and gets hold of the activation code, two-step verification will block a takeover. Because only you know this second code. Read how to set this up in the tip ‘Extra security in WhatsApp’.