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New scam on Whatsapp: Beware of this numerical code!
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From Jenny Moritz
Germany – Whatsapp-Users watch out: If you get this message, the alarm bells should ring immediately!
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With around two billion users, Whatsapp is still one of the most popular messenger services worldwide.
But fraudsters keep trying to take advantage of the app.
The latest scam is particularly insidious: In the so-called code trick, which was recently introduced as well State Criminal Police Office of Lower Saxony warned, users receive a message from an alleged friend on the contact list.
“Hello sorry, I accidentally sent you a 6-digit code via SMS. Can you please pass it on to me? It’s urgent,” it says.
In fact, the code is sent via SMS shortly beforehand. However, this is a security code for your own account. The sender is WhatsApp.
Anyone who transmits this sequence of numbers, however, initially loses their account, because behind it are fraudsters. They send the message on behalf of people with accounts that have already been hacked.
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Whatsapp fraud: This is how you should react when you receive the number code
First of all: do not pass on the numerical code under any circumstances!
If this has already been done, it depends on whether two-factor authentication is set up.
This can be activated in “Settings”, “Account” and then “Verification in two steps”.
A 6-digit PIN of your choice must first be assigned there, but not the one sent by SMS. You can then add an email address.
If it is already too late for this, the Lower Saxony LKA recommends that you restore your account immediately.
To do this, you have to register with your own telephone number. A six-digit code is then sent via SMS.
If the account has already been taken over, it will take longer to restore. To do this there Whatsapp Notes on his side.
After all: According to the messenger service, the perpetrators cannot access previous chats: “WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted and messages are stored on your device, so that someone who accesses your account on another device can see your previous chats can’t read. “
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Whatsapp: This is why fraudsters want your account
If the perpetrators succeeded in taking over your account, they will then probably try to gain access to the accounts of other users in order to spread malware and spam.
But extortion and fraud are also conceivable, according to the LKA.
In addition, participation in WhatsApp groups with illegal content (e.g. child pornography) can be enabled via the hacked profile.
In addition, the perpetrators can request further personal data from others on behalf of the hacked accounts.
The State Office of Criminal Investigation advises those affected to file a report with the local police or via the respective online station.
In addition, the acquaintance from whose account the fraudulent message was written should also be informed – but not via WhatsApp, but to be on the safe side by phone call, email or in a personal conversation.
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Titelfoto: 123RF/prykhodov
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