A WhatsApp fraud now causes a stir internationally. We explain what you should definitely pay attention to now. Be particularly careful when contact appeals to a number code.
So it is about a stitch that has become known since the outbreak of global Covid 19 pandemic. Now the attempt to fraud apparently is experiencing a new uphill. The story goes like this: WhatsApp users receive a message on the META platform, which is written in this: “Hello, sorry, I accidentally sent you a 6-digit code via SMS. Can you please pass it on to me?”
Message from a friend? Ms. (45) reacted immediately
The local news page “Wa.de”, which belongs to the publisher of the “Westphalian Anuser”, now reports exactly such an example. This should give the impression that the news comes from a family member or from the close circle of friends. In the hurry, the contact has only forgotten the salutation and its name – so the well -intentioned theory.
And that is exactly how it happened, according to the example of a 45-year-old woman. She thought the news came from a good friend. That's why the woman reacted quickly. So the woman actually received a code from the “WhatsApp” sender, reports “Wa.de” specifically.
WhatsApp sends numbers code via SMS
The “Forbes” magazine has now become aware of the incident. At that moment, however, the trap snapped.
Incidentally, this is not about a large security gap or the like, but about a very simple process: If a WhatsApp account is set up on a new device, you still have to prove that you also have access to the telephone number that is to be stored.
To do this, WhatsApp then sends a number code via SMS, which you then have to enter in a corresponding window for confirmation.
The process here from the point of view of the criminals here: With an account that you have already stunted, you write to further contact and explain that you currently have problems receiving the code of WhatsApp. Therefore, the code was sent to the friend's number. As soon as you have received the code, please forward it immediately.
“Don't fall on it – it's a trap”
If you comply with this request, you will be rid of your own WhatsApp account in this second. You can “get back” your own account a little later with a new code, but here you have to take some time. In addition, it is never a good thing if strangers have access to their own chats – and thus also have the most intimate details.
In their own name, the criminals could also send messages to their own contact list, which could cause problems afterwards.
The X-user Rupert Myers also draws attention to the current stitch in a post. He also received a text that deals with an alleged number code via SMS. “Don't fall on it – it's a trap,” the user warns the network directly.
It was still easy here because the sender was an unknown account. Often, however, one is written by Accounts by friends, but they were previously stolen. You may then send the code in good faith-without knowing that it is the code for your own WhatsApp account.
In general, it should be said: You should never forward codes to contacts. Otherwise, as described in the example described, you are often rid of your own account faster than you would like.
