Received an OTP on WhatsApp? Beware! Clicking It Could Empty Your Bank Account – Stay Safe with These Tips

WhatsApp OTP fraud is becoming a serious cyber threat, where scammers trick users into sharing their verification codes, allowing them to take over accounts and scam contacts. Fraudsters often pretend to be friends or relatives, requesting the OTP under false pretenses.

To stay protected, enable two-step verification, never share your verification code, and report suspicious messages immediately.

What is WhatsApp OTP Fraud?

If you receive a WhatsApp verification code without requesting it, consider it a red flag! This could be an attempt by cybercriminals to hijack your WhatsApp account and scam your contacts.

Many unsuspecting users have fallen victim to this new scam, where fraudsters manipulate the verification process to gain access to accounts. Let’s break down how this fraud works and how you can protect yourself.

How Does This Scam Work?

🔹 Generating a Verification Code
The scammer enters your phone number on WhatsApp, triggering an OTP (One-Time Password) SMS to your device.

🔹 Pretending to Be Someone You Know
A fraudster messages you, claiming to be a friend, family member, or colleague. They might say,
"I mistakenly entered your number, and you must have received my verification code. Can you send it back to me?"

🔹 Taking Over Your Account
If you share the OTP, the scammer logs into your WhatsApp account, locks you out, and takes control.

What Hackers Do After Hijacking Your WhatsApp?

🔸 Scamming Your Contacts – Fraudsters message your friends and family, asking for money or sensitive information.

🔸 Stealing Personal Data – They access your chat history, extracting private conversations, passwords, or banking details.

🔸 Expanding the Scam – Using your identity, they target more people, tricking them into similar frauds.

🚨 Once they gain control, they can cause severe financial and emotional distress! 🚨

How to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp OTP Fraud?

✅ Never Share Your OTP – WhatsApp never asks for your verification code, and no one else should either.

✅ Enable Two-Step Verification – Add an extra layer of security to your account:
📌 Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification and enable it with a PIN.

✅ Be Wary of Unexpected Messages – If a friend or family member asks for an OTP or money, verify by calling them first.

✅ Report & Block Suspicious Numbers – If you receive a suspicious message, block and report the number in WhatsApp settings.

What to Do If Your WhatsApp Is Hacked?

🚨 If you suspect that your account has been compromised, follow these steps immediately:

🔹 Email WhatsApp Support – Contact support@whatsapp.com and request account recovery.
🔹 Reinstall & Log in Again – Try logging into WhatsApp with your number to regain access.
🔹 Inform Your Contacts – Alert your friends and family to ignore suspicious messages.
🔹 File a Complaint – If money is involved, report the fraud to cybercrime authorities.

Stay Vigilant – Prevent Cybercrime!

Cybercriminals are constantly inventing new tricks to steal data and money. Awareness is your best defense—stay alert, never share sensitive details, and always verify before trusting any request.

💡 Tip: Share this article with your friends and family to keep them safe from WhatsApp OTP fraud!