What is WhatsApp OTP scam and how to avoid it

WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most popular and used messaging platforms across the globe and in India. The number of messages exchanged on WhatsApp means most of your data including media files, passwords and other information is on the platform. The Facebook-owned platform has been in the news in the past for security reasons but finds itself in a spot of bother now. Recently, WhatsApp OTP scam has come to light, wherein the hackers have been using simple OTP to scam people. 

What is WhatsApp OTP scam? 

When you set up WhatsApp on any new smartphone, the platform sends an OTP on your registered number. This OTP is required to log in to your account. After successfully providing the OTP, your WhatsApp account is restored.  

Fraudsters plan to take advantage of this process and get access to your WhatsApp accounts. A hacker would install WhatsApp on his phone and enter your number. He or she will then call or message you to grab the OTP. If you end up providing the one time password, the hacker will get access to your account and data.  

Such kind of scam has been going on for quite some time now. The hacker can use your group chats to promote his product or service. He can even change your profile picture or add a status from your account. 

How to avoid WhatsApp OTP scam? 

Being aware is the key here. It is impossible to pull off the WhatsApp OTP scam, unless you share the password. So if you receive a call asking for the OTP, politely refuse and head over to the cybercrime department about the attempt made by the hacker. Another way of keeping your data safe is by enabling two-factor authentication.