WhatsApp users in Britain have been warned about a new scam that could give hackers access to the most sensitive data without them realizing it – but there's a simple way to avoid it.
A “ghost pairing scam” is currently affecting WhatsApp users, and people are being advised to be vigilant about any messages they receive on the app. A woman named Caroline, in a video posted on TikTok, warned that falling prey to this “scary” scam could allow hackers to access your data remotely.
She explained how the scam works:
“You’ll get a message that looks like it’s coming from WhatsApp itself. It’ll look completely legitimate. It could say that your account is at risk or that you need to secure your account to keep it safe. Or it could look like you’re getting a message from someone you already have in your contacts, and it might say something like, ‘Oops, I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back to me?’”
In reality, WhatsApp has a feature that allows you to link your account to another device, like a laptop. If you receive a code and send it as instructed, you are effectively linking your WhatsApp account to the scammer's device.
If a stranger has access to your account, they can read messages, see photos you've sent, and even send messages in your name, spoofing your contacts and continuing the scam.
What's more, the scam won't log you out of your WhatsApp account and the app will continue to function normally on your device – so you may not immediately realize that your account has been compromised.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself. The first thing you need to know: you should never send a WhatsApp code to anyone.
WhatsApp will never ask you to send a code again, and if someone from your contacts asks you for the code, you should tell them to ask for it to be sent to their number and not send them anything you've received.
You can also check the devices linked to your account. On an Android phone, tap the three dots in the top right corner of the app and select “Linked Devices.” On an iPhone, tap the settings icon and then select “Linked Devices.”
If you see a device you don't recognize, tap on it and select "log out" or "remove" to disconnect it immediately.
Many commenters on Caroline's video expressed gratitude for shedding light on this scam. Some said they had no idea it existed and would immediately share the information with older relatives who might be more at risk.
One user said: "This has happened to me before, I blocked the person immediately!"
Another added: "Thanks again for the warning. I shared it with others." /GazetaExpress/
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