WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps worldwide, with millions of users. Unfortunately, it’s also a popular target for scammers and hackers who try to steal WhatsApp accounts for various reasons, such as phishing or identity theft.
You should never share your WhatsApp verification code with others. If someone is trying to take over your account, they need the SMS verification code sent to your phone number to do so. Without this code, any user attempting to verify your number can’t complete the verification process and use your phone number on WhatsApp. This means you remain in control of your WhatsApp account.
If you’ve been a victim of WhatsApp account theft, you might feel helpless and worried about what to do next. Here are some steps you can take to regain control of your WhatsApp account and protect your personal information.
Option 1 – Self Recovery
- Open your WhatsApp > Tap the three vertical dots at the top right beside the search bar > Tap on WhatsApp web > Log out of all devices
If you find out that no device is linked and you still continue to experience same thing, then follow the steps below to recover a hacked WhatsApp account.
- Log out of your WhatsApp messenger and login again using your phone number
- A six-digit code will be sent to your phone number via sms. Enter the code.
- This logs you into your account immediately, and automatically logs out the hacker.
- If you are asked to provide a two-step verification code, even though you did not set up one, it means the individual using your account must have activated a two-step verification code. Since you do not have the code, it means you have to wait 7 days again before you can sign in without the two-step verification code.
- Remember that the hacker had been logged out immediately you were logged in with the 6-digit SMS code? So no worries. The hacker cannot continue any chat with your contacts and they cannot even get access to your WhatsApp account during this period.
Option 2 – Contact WhatsApp Support
If Option 1 doesn’t work then you will need to enlist the assistance of WhatsApp.
- Send an email to WhatsApp via https://www.whatsapp.com/contact to report the loss or theft. Clearly detail the incident in the email and include “Lost/Stolen: Please deactivate my account” in both the subject and body of the email. Additionally, provide the mobile number registered with the WhatsApp account. You can read more on WhatsApp Support Website.
- Email Authentication and Account Deactivation: Ensure that you send this email from the email address associated with your two-factor authentication process. If you hadn’t set up two-factor authentication before the loss or theft, you can use any of your email addresses to send the mail.
- Deactivating the Account: Once WhatsApp receives your email and verifies your request, they will proceed to deactivate your account. This action prevents the thieves from using your account to engage in conversations with your contacts.
- Account Recovery Within 30 Days: Following the deactivation of your account, you have a 30-day window to initiate the account recovery process if you wish to regain access to your saved chats and media backed up in the cloud. Beyond this 30-day period, you will permanently lose access to this data.
Option 3 – Secure Your Account
If the scammer has enabled two-factor authentication on your account, you’ll need to take additional steps to recover your account. You can reset your two-factor authentication PIN by going to WhatsApp settings, then Account, and selecting the option to enable two-factor authentication. From there, you can choose to disable it and reset your PIN. This will prevent the scammer from using your two-factor authentication to block you from accessing your account.
If the scammer has changed your phone number associated with your WhatsApp account, you can still reset your two-factor authentication PIN by providing your email address, which you would have previously used to set up your WhatsApp account. You can do this by going to WhatsApp settings, then Account, and selecting the option to Reset your PIN. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your PIN using your email address.
If the scammer hasn’t enabled two-factor authentication, you should immediately set this up. Read this article on setting up two-factor authentication for WhatsApp.
Warn Your Contacts
It’s essential to let your contacts know that your WhatsApp account has been stolen, so they don’t fall victim to any scams or fraudulent messages. Send them a message through a different channel, such as email or social media, and inform them that they should disregard any messages from your WhatsApp account.
Report the Incident
Reporting the theft of your WhatsApp account to the authorities is vital, especially if you believe your personal information has been compromised. You can report the incident to the police or cybercrime unit. Provide them with any evidence you have, such as screenshots or emails from the hacker. Here are the steps to Report A CyberCrime in Trinidad and Tobago.
In conclusion, having your WhatsApp account stolen can be a stressful and worrying experience. However, taking these steps can help you to regain control of your account and protect your personal information. Remember to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to WhatsApp support and the authorities.
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