WhatsApp is a very popular messaging app. Recently, a dangerous series of WhatsApp hacking has come to light by targeting the staff of Delhi University. This scam starts with a message that comes from a contact known to you.

It is written in the message that he has mistakenly sent a code to your number, which he needs immediately. Trusting it, many people share this code. This puts their WhatsApp account in the hands of scammers. After this, scammers target people in your contact list, and this series continues.

This is not a new trick but its effect is so dangerous that it has become necessary for you to be alert. The method of this scam is very clever. You get a message on WhatsApp from a friend or acquaintance saying, 'Yaar, I accidentally sent a six-digit code to your number, please send it to me quickly.'

This code is actually WhatsApp's registration code, which comes to your phone via SMS. As soon as you share it, you are logged out of your account. The scammers take possession of it. Now they repeat the same trick by sending messages to your contacts in your name.

Not only this, many times they also ask for money from your friends by making an excuse of emergency. Since the message goes from your number, people trust them and send money. Some scammers cross the limit - they send links containing malware or spyware, which can steal your bank details, passwords and IDs.

Understand that your WhatsApp has been hacked

There are many signs that ring the alarm bell. If you get WhatsApp's registration code without any request, then understand that someone is keeping an eye on your account. If a contact says that he 'accidentally' sent the code to your number, then this is a clear sign of a scam. WhatsApp never sends someone else's code to your number.

If someone suddenly sends an urgent message, makes a strange request or sends unknown links, then look at it with suspicion. And yes, if you suddenly log out of your account and are unable to log back in, then this is a sure sign that your account has been hacked. Now the question is how to avoid this?

First of all, do not share the WhatsApp code received through SMS with anyone - no matter how close they seem. To know the authenticity of the sender of the message, make an audio or video call to him. If he does not respond, verify through SMS, email or other apps. Do not make the mistake of clicking on links sent by scammers. If you use WhatsApp on another device, then go to 'Settings' and check 'Linked Devices' and log out of unknown devices.

Secure WhatsApp like this

To make your account extra secure, turn on WhatsApp's two-step verification. For this, go to 'Settings', tap on 'Account', then select 'Two-step verification'. There, 'Turn on', create a 6-digit PIN, confirm it and add an email - this email will be useful in case you forget the PIN. If your account is hacked, do not panic. Re-install WhatsApp, generate a new code via SMS and re-register - this will automatically log out the scammer.

After this, immediately inform your contacts that your account was hacked and ignore messages received in your name. If you do not get your account back, complain on WhatsApp's Grievance Channel. Also contact the local police and call the National Cybercrime Helpline 1930.