If you use What'sApp - please read on.
There have been recent reports of a WhatsApp scam where fraudsters are attempting to hack into people's WhatsApp accounts.
What you get: A text is received from WhatsApp containing a code with the instruction to tap on to a link so the phone can be verified. This is then followed by another message which appears to be from a contact in your phone, but is actually from fraudsters asking you to forward the code to them saying it was sent to you in error.
What actually happens: Scammers have already hacked your contact's account and are trying to set up WhatsApp using your number on a new device. If successful, they will be able to hack your WhatsApp account as well.
What you should do: If you receive a message like this, ignore it and send a message (not usingWhatsApp) to your contact letting them know they have been hacked.
Protecting yourself in future: As a precaution against this type of scam, you can enable 'Two-Step Verification'. Here you create a unique PIN which will be required if you need to register your phone number with WhatsApp again, and, on occasions, be asked for it before you use WhatsApp.
Here's how to do it: Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification within the App.
For extra security you can set your privacy settings on WhatsApp so only your contacts can see your Last Seen (the last time you used WhatsApp); Profile Photo; About; Groups and Status. To do this go to Settings > Account > Privacy and selecting 'My Contacts' against each one.
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