The WhatsApp code virus strikes again, how to defend yourself

beware of the scam

The link causes the account to be blocked, delivering data, photos and videos to cybercriminals

by Alessio Lana

It is described as a virus that blocks WhatsApp but in reality the message with the six-digit code that many are receiving is a full-blown scam. Already renamed New Year's scam, it's a quick and easy way to take control of other people's chats by exploiting the victim's naivety.

The system is simple but effective. First, the victim receives the message with the six-digit code. It is an authentic message, it really comes from WhatsApp assistance, and that number is the real authentication code of our Whatsapp. The hacker, or rather the scammer, requested it for us. Then this one sends us a message from a number we don't know but, to make the trap more credible, he has inserted a photo of an acquaintance of ours. The text appears genuine, something like "Hi, I sent you a code by mistake, could you send it back to me?" and the first reaction is to think that the sender has changed his number, we can trust him, better give him a hand. But this is where the second phase starts. Once sent the code, the scammer can pretend to be us. Like when we change phones, he installs Whatsapp on his device and then enters our authentication code. The result is that he will be able to use our chat and we won't.

WhatsApp, the latest news

As you can see, the "6-digit code scam inside the message", as it has been renamed, leverages our ingenuity. No one will ever be able to ask us to send them our authentication code simply because it is only for us. Not to others. Once the profile control is obtained, the chain reaction starts. The scammer can see our contacts and groups, contact friends and relatives posing as us and thus continue to claim victims. It must be said that this scam then starts from afar but has made a comeback in recent days, with the messages of approach hidden among those of good wishes. As reported by Ansa, hundreds of people were affected in Orzinuovi, in the province of Brescia, including Gianpietro Maffoni, senator of the Brothers of Italy and mayor of the city.

As a preventative measure, just never give that six-digit code to anyone, for any reason. If, on the other hand, we have been hit, we can regain control of the profile by asking Whatsapp to send us a new code. In fact, this is sent to our telephone number which the hacker obviously does not have (this is why he asked us for the authentication code). By entering the phone number and code we should be able to access our profile again and have full control of it by subtracting it from the scammer. In the event that this has changed the profile phone number we just have to contact Whatsapp and, in extreme cases, deactivate the account.

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