In today’s digital world, WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in India. With over 500 million users in the country, it has become a primary platform for communication. However, as its popularity grows, so does the risk of cyber threats. Many users have reported cases of WhatsApp Hacked, where scammers gain unauthorized access to their accounts.
If your WhatsApp is hacked, you might lose essential chats, personal data, and even money if scammers misuse your account. But don’t worry! In this article, we will help you identify the signs of a hacked WhatsApp account, understand how hackers gain access, and provide steps to recover and protect your account.
Signs That Your WhatsApp Has Been Hacked
If your WhatsApp has been compromised, you may notice unusual activity. Here are some warning signs that indicate your account might be hacked:
Messages Sent Without Your Knowledge
- Your contacts receive strange or suspicious messages from your account.
- Messages contain scam links, requests for money, or unusual content.
You Are Logged Out of Your Account
- WhatsApp suddenly asks you to verify your phone number again.
- You see a message saying, “This phone number is no longer registered on this device.”
Unknown Devices Are Linked to WhatsApp Web
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices and check for any unknown connections.
- If you see a device you don’t recognize, your account might be hacked.
Not Receiving Messages or Calls
- Your friends say they messaged you, but you never received their texts.
- Calls and notifications stop coming through as usual.
Battery Draining Quickly
- If your WhatsApp is hacked, malicious activities may run in the background.
- Unusual battery drain could be a sign of spying apps or unauthorized access.
Unknown Changes in Your Account Settings
- Profile picture, bio, or privacy settings change without your permission.
- Unknown contacts appear in your chat list.
High Data Usage Without Reason
- WhatsApp consumes more mobile data than usual.
- This could indicate unauthorized background activity.
How Hackers Gain Access to Your WhatsApp
Hackers use different techniques to gain access to your WhatsApp account. Here are the most common ways they do it:
Phishing Scams (Fake OTP Messages)
- Hackers send fake messages pretending to be from WhatsApp or your service provider.
- They trick you into sharing your One-Time Password (OTP).
- Once they get the OTP, they log in to your WhatsApp on their device and lock you out.
WhatsApp Web Hijacking
- If you leave your WhatsApp Web open on someone else’s computer, they can access your chats.
- Hackers may use a QR code scam to link your WhatsApp to their device.
- Always check Settings > Linked Devices to remove unknown connections.
SIM Card Cloning or SIM Swap Fraud
- Cybercriminals convince your mobile network provider to issue a duplicate SIM card.
- Once they get control of your SIM, they receive your WhatsApp verification code and take over your account.
- To prevent this, set a strong SIM PIN and avoid sharing personal details online.
Spyware and Malicious Apps
- Some apps claim to “enhance” WhatsApp but actually steal your data.
- Hackers use spyware to monitor your chats and calls.
- Avoid downloading unknown third-party apps or APK files from unofficial sources.
Public Wi-Fi Attacks
- Using WhatsApp on unsecured public Wi-Fi can expose your data to hackers.
- Hackers can intercept your messages and steal sensitive information.
- Always use a VPN when accessing WhatsApp on public networks.
Social Engineering Tricks
- Hackers pretend to be friends, family, or customer support.
- They trick you into revealing personal details, like passwords or OTPs.
- Never share personal information with unknown people.
What to Do If Your WhatsApp is Hacked?
If you suspect that your WhatsApp account has been hacked, don’t panic! Follow these step-by-step actions to regain control of your account and protect your data.
Log Out of Unwanted Devices (Check Linked Devices)
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Linked Devices.
- If you see any unknown devices, tap on them and select Log out.
- This will disconnect hackers who may have accessed your WhatsApp Web.
Reinstall WhatsApp and Verify Your Number
- If you are logged out of your account, immediately reinstall WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
- Enter your phone number and verify it using the OTP sent via SMS.
- This will log out the hacker if they are using your account on another device.
Enable Two-Step Verification
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
- Set up a 6-digit PIN to add an extra layer of security.
- This prevents hackers from taking over your account in the future.
Inform Your Contacts
- Warn your friends and family that your WhatsApp was hacked.
- Tell them not to click on any suspicious links or share personal information.
- This will prevent scammers from misusing your account to trick others.
Contact WhatsApp Support
- If you can’t recover your account, email WhatsApp support at [email protected].
- In the email, mention your phone number and explain the issue.
- WhatsApp may temporarily deactivate your account to protect your data.
Secure Your SIM Card (Prevent SIM Swap Fraud)
- Contact your mobile service provider and lock your SIM card if you suspect it has been cloned.
- Set up a SIM PIN to prevent unauthorized access.
Scan for Malware on Your Phone
- If you installed any suspicious apps recently, uninstall them immediately.
- Use a trusted antivirus app to scan your phone for malware or spyware.
How to Protect Your WhatsApp from Hackers?
Preventing a WhatsApp hack is more straightforward than recovering from one. Follow these simple security tips to keep your account safe from hackers.
Enable Two-Step Verification
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
- Set a 6-digit PIN and add a recovery email.
- This extra layer of security prevents unauthorized logins.
Never Share Your OTP (One-Time Password)
- WhatsApp never asks for OTP via messages or calls.
- If someone requests your OTP, it’s a scam!
- Always keep your verification code private.
Regularly Check Linked Devices
- Open WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices.
- If you see an unknown device, log it out immediately.
- This prevents hackers from accessing your WhatsApp Web.
Be Cautious with Unknown Links and Messages
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in WhatsApp messages.
- Hackers use phishing scams to steal your data.
- If a message looks too good to be true, it’s probably fake!
Use a Strong Phone Lock and App Lock
- Set a strong passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID on your phone.
- Use third-party app lock tools for extra protection.
- This prevents unauthorized access if your phone is lost or stolen.
Protect Your SIM Card from SIM Swap Fraud
- Contact your mobile provider to enable SIM lock protection.
- Set up a SIM PIN to prevent hackers from cloning your number.
- If your SIM suddenly stops working, contact your network provider immediately.
Keep Your WhatsApp Updated
- Always install the latest WhatsApp updates from the Play Store or App Store.
- Updates fix security vulnerabilities and protect you from new hacking techniques.
Use a Secure Internet Connection
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi without a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
- Hackers can intercept your messages on unsecured networks.
- A VPN encrypts your data and keeps your WhatsApp safe.
Common WhatsApp Scams
Fake Job Offer Scam
- Scammers send messages offering high-paying jobs with little effort.
- Victims are asked to pay a “registration fee” or share personal details.
- Always verify job offers through official websites.
UPI and Banking Fraud
- Fraudsters send fake messages claiming to be from banks or UPI services (like Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay).
- They ask users to click on a link or share OTPs, leading to unauthorized transactions.
- Never share OTPs or banking details over WhatsApp.
“Friend in Distress” Scam
- Hackers impersonate friends or relatives and ask for urgent money transfers.
- They claim to be in an emergency and pressure victims to send money quickly.
- Always verify with a phone call before transferring money.
WhatsApp OTP Hijacking
- Scammers pretend to be from WhatsApp support and trick users into sharing OTPs.
- Once they get access, they lock the real user out of their account.
- Never share WhatsApp OTPs with anyone.
Lottery or Prize Scam
- Users receive messages claiming they have won an enormous prize or lottery.
- They are asked to pay a processing fee or share personal details to “claim” the reward.
- Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it’s a scam!
Fake Shopping Deals
- Fraudulent sellers promote unbelievable discounts on branded products.
- Victims make payments but never receive the product.
- Always buy from trusted e-commerce websites.
QR Code Scam
- Scammers send QR codes claiming users will receive money when scanned.
- Instead, scanning the code deducts money from the victim’s account.
- Never scan random QR codes from unknown sources.
WhatsApp Gold or Premium Scam
- Fake messages claim users can upgrade to “WhatsApp Gold” with exclusive features.
- Clicking the link downloads malware or steals data.
- WhatsApp does not offer a “Gold” or premium version.
Fake Loan Offers
- Scammers offer instant loans with low interest rates.
- Victims provide their details and end up in financial fraud.
- Only apply for loans through verified banks and NBFCs.
KYC Verification Scam
- Fraudsters claim to be from banks and are asking for KYC updates via WhatsApp.
- They ask for Aadhaar, PAN, or banking details.
- Banks never ask for KYC details on WhatsApp. Constantly update KYC through official channels.
FAQs About WhatsApp Hacking
How do I know if my WhatsApp is hacked?
If you notice unknown devices logged into WhatsApp Web, messages sent without your knowledge, rapid battery drain, or receiving OTPs you didn’t request, your WhatsApp might be hacked.
What should I do if my WhatsApp is hacked?
Immediately log out from all devices, change your WhatsApp password, enable two-step verification, and report the issue to WhatsApp Support. If necessary, reinstall the app and register again with your phone number.
How can I prevent my WhatsApp from being hacked?
To stay safe, enable two-step verification, avoid clicking on suspicious links, never share OTPs, and regularly check your WhatsApp Web sessions to log out of unknown devices.
Can someone hack my WhatsApp without my phone?
Yes, if a hacker gets access to your WhatsApp Web, backup data, or phone number through SIM swapping, they can take over your account remotely.
What are the most common WhatsApp scams in India?
The most common scams include fake job offers, UPI and banking fraud, WhatsApp OTP hijacking, QR code scams, fake shopping deals, and phishing links that steal your data.
How does WhatsApp OTP hijacking work?
Hackers trick users into sharing their WhatsApp OTP by pretending to be from WhatsApp Support. Once they enter the OTP, they gain full access to the victim’s account.
Is it possible to recover a hacked WhatsApp account?
Yes, you can recover your account by reinstalling WhatsApp and logging in with your phone number. If the hacker has set up two-step verification, you may need to wait 7 days to regain access.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious WhatsApp message?
If you get a message from an unknown number or a suspicious link, do not click, reply, or share any information. Block and report the number to WhatsApp.
Conclusion
WhatsApp scams are on the rise, and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick users. From fake job offers and banking fraud to QR code scams and WhatsApp OTP hijacking, these fraudulent activities can lead to financial loss and data theft.
To stay safe, never share personal details, OTPs, or banking information over WhatsApp. Always verify messages before taking action, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and enable two-step verification for extra security.
By staying informed and alert, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams. Spread awareness and stay cyber-safe!
