Beware this WhatsApp scam – it steals your messages and even hacks your family too - The Sun

Posted: 30 Nov 2020 08:09 AM PST

WHATSAPP users are being warned about a dangerous hack that could let cybercriminals access your messages and your contacts.

The cybercrime involves a hacker posing as a friend in order to gain access to a victim's account.

The hacker could then use a victim's account to launch attacks on other people.

The attack revolves around the six-digit verification code that WhatsApp gives out when you want to regain access to your account.

It also involves a hacker taking control of one of your contact's WhatsApp accounts and messaging you pretending to be them.

The hacker will message pretending to be your friend around the same time you get a text or email from WhatsApp with a verification code.

This code is only given when you try and make changes to your account.

The hacker will pretend that they've accidentally asked for the verification code to your number instead of their's and will ask you to send it over.

You should never share the six-digit code with anyone.

If you do, the hacker will be able to take over your account.

You'll no longer have access to your account and the hacker can try and scam your friends.

If you do get a suspicious message from a friend, try ringing them to see if you can talk to them in person and verify what is going on.

It's also advisable to turn on two-step verification so your WhatsApp is also protected by a PIN.

Here's what you need to know...

WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum - former employees of Yahoo
It's one of the most popular messaging services in the world
Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like "what's up"
After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
As of 2020, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally

WhatsApp adds new SHOPPING button that lets you buy food or clothes from virtual stores

In other news, Facebook has been accused of continuing to spread antisemitism.

Android users have been urged to steer clear of a dodgy app with 100million downloads on the Google Play Store.

And, Apple has slashed the cut it takes from App Store earnings by half – for smaller firms.

Have you spotted any tech scams recently? Let us know in the comments...

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk

Android Full Encryption