Someone on WhatsApp says they sent me a code by mistake and wants it back. Is it a scam?
Yes, it is a scam to take over your WhatsApp. The six-digit code arrived because someone tried to register your number on their phone. If you forward it, they get your account, your groups and your contacts, and they will use it to ask your friends for money.
The message often comes from a friend's account that has already been hijacked, which makes it convincing. Real verification codes are only ever for you to type into your own phone.
What to do
- Never forward a verification code to anyone, for any reason.
- If the request came from a friend's account, phone the friend: their WhatsApp has probably been taken over.
- Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings so a code alone is not enough.
- If you already sent it, try to re-register your number immediately and warn your contacts.
- Block and report the number that asked.
Frequently asked questions
- They say the code was for their bank. Can that be true?
- No. A code sent to your number is for your number. Nobody else's bank sends codes to you.
Want to know if there are warning signs about the person you're chatting to? Veritaza checks the photos, the messages, the number, the email address, the name and the ID document, for R99.
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