Secure Your WhatsApp

How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Take Back Your Account if It’s Hacked

WhatsApp has become essential for keeping in touch with friends, family, and even colleagues. But, like any popular app, it’s a target for scammers who see an opportunity to exploit us when we’re not paying attention. Among the most troubling scams is the WhatsApp Take Over Scam, where someone takes control of your account and uses it to impersonate you, messaging your contacts and spreading the scam further. Many of us have heard about these scams happening to others, and sadly, I personally know people who have fallen victim to it.

Let’s break down how the Take Over Scam works, other common scams to look out for, and—most importantly—how to protect yourself. And if the worst happens, there is hope. We’ll guide you through the steps to regain control and secure your account.

The WhatsApp Take Over Scam

In the Take Over Scam, scammers trick you into handing over your WhatsApp verification code. Here’s how it typically works:

• The scammer initiates contact by sending a message or calling you, pretending to be a friend or even a government representative.

• They might claim they need your help with a “verification code” or send a message saying they mistakenly entered your number.

• As soon as you share the six-digit code they text you, they gain access to your account and lock you out.

If the scam succeeds, they’ll be able to message your contacts, pretending to be you, and continue the scam cycle with your friends or family. If you’re an Administrator for any WhatsApp Groups, they can assume control of the Groups by removing other Administrators and restricting conversation. The implications are incredible. It’s both frustrating and frightening, as it can happen quickly if we’re not vigilant.

Take a moment to focus

Steps to Recover Your Account After a Take Over Scam

• Re-verify Your Account

  • Open WhatsApp and enter your phone number. You’ll receive a verification code via SMS.

  • Enter the code to regain access. The hacker will automatically be logged out since WhatsApp allows only one device per account.

• Get Help from Your Mobile Service Provider if Necessary

  • If re-verifying doesn’t work, contact your mobile provider to block your SIM and request a new one with the same number.

  • Reinstall WhatsApp to complete the verification and disable the hacker’s access.

• Check for Linked Devices

  • Go to Settings > Linked Devices. Remove any devices you don’t recognize by selecting Log Out.

• Notify Your Contacts

  • Inform friends and family that your account was compromised, so they can ignore suspicious messages from you.

Common WhatsApp Scams to Watch Out For

• Verification Code Scam - Just like the Take Over Scam, someone might ask you to forward a verification code. Never share these codes, even if the request seems genuine.

• Fake WhatsApp Admins - Scammers pose as WhatsApp support, threatening to lock your account unless you provide your password. WhatsApp will never ask for this.

• “Job Offer” and “Investment” Scams - Too-good-to-be-true job offers or investment opportunities? They’re likely scams designed to steal your personal info or money.

• Phishing Attempts - Scammers send links that look like legitimate WhatsApp messages. Clicking these can install malware or steal your information.

• Lottery or Prize Scams - If you receive a message saying you’ve won a prize and need to provide details to claim it, it’s a scam. Avoid engaging or clicking any links.

• Friend-in-Distress Scam - You might get a message claiming a friend is in trouble and needs financial help. Always verify directly with the person through other means.

• Subscription Fee Scams - WhatsApp is free and does not require subscriptions or payments for upgrades, so disregard messages that say otherwise.

Tips to Secure Your WhatsApp Account

Recovering your account is good but try not losing access in the first place. Here’s what to do to secure your WhatsApp account.

• Enable Two-Step Verification - Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and create a PIN. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring the PIN alongside the verification code.

• Never Share Your Codes or PINs - WhatsApp’s registration code and two-step PIN should remain private.

• Review Linked Devices - Regularly check for unfamiliar devices under Linked Devices in your settings and log them out.

• Use the App Lock Feature - Set a screen lock on WhatsApp if your phone has biometrics. This feature requires a fingerprint or face ID each time you open WhatsApp, adding an extra layer of protection.

• Update Your App and OS - Keeping your WhatsApp app and operating system updated can prevent vulnerabilities.

• Be Mindful of Urgent Messages - Scammers often pressure you to act quickly. Slow down, double-check, and reach out to contacts directly through another method if in doubt.

Final Thought

Being vigilant and setting up strong security practices is the best defense against WhatsApp scams. These scams are unsettling and can happen faster than we realize. By keeping security features enabled and following the tips above, you can use WhatsApp more confidently, knowing that your account and your contacts are safer. Remember, if you ever receive an unusual message, it’s better to check and confirm rather than assume it’s legitimate.