Fraudsters are continuing to target WhatsApp users in Gedling borough and takeover their accounts by posing as a friend and asking for SMS security codes.
Although the scam has existed for years, people in Gedling borough are still being caught out and our readers are now warning others not to fall for the con.
WhatsApp has said users should never hand over their security codes to anybody, even if they appear to be a friend.
The scam works by exploiting the SMS text process used for setting up a new account or adding an existing WhatsApp account to a new phone.
If you receive an SMS text message with a six-digit WhatsApp code that you were not expecting, you could be a target for the scam.
In the next step, the scammer sends you a WhatsApp message asking for the six-digit code.
It appears to come from a genuine friend because that account has already been hijacked.
James Mills from Mapperley was one of many warning people not to fall for this.
“It’s embarrasing, he said.
“I fell for it despite reading the story warning others in Gedling Eye a few weeks ago.”
“I got a WhatsApp message from my friend Clayton not long after receiving an SMS text message with a WhatApp code I wasn’t expecting.
“The fake message from my friend claimed they’d been logged out of their account and had the SMS message sent to my phone by accident. They’d obviously already hacked his account.
“Stupidly, I sent it across and soon lost control of MY WhatsApp.”
Once scammers gain control, they then try to target others in your contacts list using the same scam. They also search messages for personal information.
They sometimes also message friends requesting money to a bank account due to a ‘crisis’.
WhatsApp warned users to be vigilant.
They said: “The safety and security of our users and their messages are really important to us. However, just like regular SMS or phone calls, it’s possible for other WhatsApp users who have your phone number to contact you.”
It said users should:
- never give a password or SMS security code to anybody – not even friends or family
- enable two-step verification for an extra layer of protection
- be vigilant if you receive a message asking you for money. If in doubt, call your friend or family member to check
WhatsApp has a guide on its website to help people keep their accounts safe.
