WhatsApp users alert! This old scam is back – As panic spreads, here is how to stay safe

The current situation created by coronavirus outbreak has led to several new online scams. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the situation and causing panic to loot people of their money. But, for WhatsApp users, an old scam has come back to haunt them. The scam tries to trick users into giving up their OTP pin for logging into WhatsApp. This can be a huge mistake and OTP is never to be shared.

The OTP pin is required when setting up a WhatsApp account. The scam was first reported in 2018. The fraudsters send WhatsApp users a message via WhatsApp or even Facebook, claiming that an OTP has been mistakenly sent to the victim.

The message claims that OTP is required for logging into the account and asks users to forward the six-digit code. Once forwarded, the code is used by the fraudsters to take control of the WhatsApp account. 

The scam was noticed after several users complained of receiving messages from unknown phone numbers asking for the OTP they “mistakenly” sent to them. Since most users are not aware of this scam, they end up compromising their account. 

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How to keep your WhatsApp Account Safe?

To improve the security of your account, opt for two-step verification which is available for both iOS and Android phone users. Setting this up, ensures that two verifications are need to log in to your account. Do not open any suspicious messages. In case you receive the message from the same number, block the contact right now.

Make sure that your WhatsApp account is logged in only one account. If login to devices other than your primary phone, make sure that you logout once the work is done.

WhatsApp has been working on several features to improve user experience. At least one of them could be rolled out soon for Android users. According to WhatsApp tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform is working on a feature that will allow messages in individual chats and groups to disappear after a specified period of time.