WhatsApp, the instant messaging app that has become popular in India and elsewhere in the world, has seen its quota of scams in the past. The latest avatar, like its predecessors, uses a one-time password (OTP) to access your account.

Every time you buy a new phone, WhatsApp sends a six-digit OTP so that you can open your account there and retrieve your chat archives.

According to media reports, hackers are sending WhatsApp users a message that appears to be from an acquaintance. “Hello, sorry, I sent you a 6 digit code by mistake, can you give it to me, please?” it reads. “It’s urgent.”

Publicity

Also read: Sooner or later you will have to accept WhatsApp’s privacy policy

When the gullible user shares the code via a response, the scammers hack their account. This leaves the user logged out of WhatsApp. Once the hackers take it, they have access to the account instead of the user.

WARNING: WHATSAPP SCAM

3 members of my family lost access to their WhatsApp this morning!

Hackers send a text message from WA with a verification code, then a WhatsApp text from someone you know saying they desperately need the code.

DO NOT SEND THE CODE OR CLICK ON THE LINK pic.twitter.com/T8dqPydH3N

– Tommy Wathen (@tommywathen) May 18, 2021

Losing access to your WhatsApp account can cause you immeasurable damage. Hackers can dig into your messages and sell the information gleaned from them on the dark web, which is used for nefarious activities. With the increasing use of WhatsApp for business purposes, a hacking event can cost you dearly.

Among the victims of the latest scam is British radio personality Jeremy Vine. The crooks also reportedly used Vine’s contact list to target his friends.

Call the friend

So how do you protect your account?

WhatsApp gets hacked!
If you receive this type of message and someone on your WhatsApp (even if they are known) asks you to follow the same, please don’t, scammers use it to take control of the WhatsApp account.
We have received few such complaints and are seeking cooperation @WhatsApp pic.twitter.com/kr2KjonLb6

– Jt CP Crime, Kolkata (@KPDetectiveDept) May 21, 2021

When you receive a message asking for OTP sharing, call the friend to find out why he / she requested the code. Ideally, don’t upload the OTP or share a screenshot.

There is little reason for your friend’s OTP to land on your phone, or for you to share yours with him / her. So by default ignore these messages.