Whatsapp Scams

How to Avoid Account Cloning and Money Requests from Fake Contacts

WhatsApp is an essential tool in daily life, used for personal and professional communication and even financial transactions. However, its popularity also attracts criminals who develop strategies to clone accounts or deceive users by pretending to be known contacts.

Scams involving account cloning or fake money requests have become increasingly sophisticated, and this article aims to help you understand how these crimes work, recognize warning signs, and adopt preventive measures.

How Does the WhatsApp Account Cloning Scam Work?

Account cloning on WhatsApp is a practice where scammers gain access to your profile and use it to deceive your contacts. The process usually involves the following steps:

1. Obtaining the Phone Number

Criminals get your phone number through various means, such as:

• Online ads with your contact details.

• Data breaches.

• Social media platforms.

2. Trick to Capture the Verification Code

Once they have your number, the scammer tries to install WhatsApp on another device. To activate the account, a verification code is sent via SMS. The scammer then tricks you, pretending to be technical support or a representative of a company, to make you share this code.

3. Account Control

With the code in hand, they access your account and start sending messages to your contacts, requesting money under false pretenses, such as medical emergencies or debt payments.

The Fake Money Request Scam

In this case, the scammer doesn't clone your account but instead uses a photo and name identical to those of a real contact. Then, they create a new number and start sending messages to the victim's friends and family.

Example of Approach:
"Hi, I changed my number. I urgently need help. Can you transfer $2,000 to me? I'll pay you back later."

This scam is effective because it exploits the trust between friends and family.

Tips to Avoid WhatsApp Scams

Fortunately, there are several practices to help you protect yourself against cloning and fake contacts.

1. Enable Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification is one of the most effective measures against account cloning. With it, besides the SMS verification code, a PIN is required to access your account.

How to Activate It:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings (on Android: three dots in the top-right corner; on iPhone: gear icon in the bottom-right corner).

2. Click on Account > Two-step Verification.

3. Enable the option and create a 6-digit PIN.

4. Add a recovery email.

This extra layer of security prevents scammers from accessing your account, even if they obtain the SMS code.

2. Never Share the Verification Code

The SMS verification code is exclusive and should never be shared with anyone, even with those claiming to be WhatsApp technical support.

Reminder:
WhatsApp will never ask for the verification code through messages or calls.

3. Be Skeptical of Money Requests

If someone asks for money via WhatsApp, even if the message seems to come from a friend or relative:

• Contact them directly through another method, such as a phone call.

• Ask personal questions that only the real contact would know how to answer.

• Scammers avoid detailed conversations and may try to pressure you into sending money quickly.

4. Block and Report Suspicious Accounts

If you identify a fake contact or notice your account has been cloned:

• Block the number immediately.

• Use WhatsApp's report feature to flag suspicious activity.

5. Protect Personal Information

Avoid exposing sensitive information on social media or public ads, such as:

• Phone number.

• Banking details.

• Personal routines.

The fewer data criminals have, the harder it will be for them to craft convincing scams.

6. Use Security Apps

Consider using security apps that help identify suspicious messages or fraudulent numbers. Also, keep your operating system and apps up to date.

How to Identify if Your Account Was Cloned

If you lose access to WhatsApp and receive messages from friends asking about money requests, it's likely your account was cloned.

Steps to Follow:

1. Reinstall WhatsApp: Download the app again and enter your phone number. You'll receive a new verification code, which will deactivate the scammer's access.

2. Inform Your Contacts: Notify friends and family about the situation and ask them not to respond to messages from the cloned account.

3. Enable Two-Step Verification: If you haven't done so already, activate it immediately to prevent future attacks.

Sophisticated Scams: Stay Alert

As awareness of scams grows, criminals are adapting their tactics. Here are some more advanced methods being used:

1. Advanced Social Engineering

Scammers may use public information to create a detailed profile of the victim, making their messages more convincing.

2. Simultaneous Calls

Some scammers use simultaneous calls to distract the victim while trying to clone the account.

Example:
While you're on the phone, they attempt to install WhatsApp and capture the verification code.

How to Recover Money Lost in Scams

If you've fallen victim to a scam and transferred money, here are some actions to take:

1. Contact the Bank: Inform them about the fraudulent transaction and request a block or reversal, if possible.

2. File a Police Report: This is essential to start an investigation and create an official record of the case.

3. Report to WhatsApp: Send a message to support detailing the incident.

4. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank statements to identify any unauthorized access.

Education and Awareness Are the Best Weapons

WhatsApp scams primarily rely on the victim's lack of attention and knowledge. Share this information with your contacts so more people are prepared to recognize and avoid these frauds.

Remember:
Breathe, think, and question any situation that seems urgent or unusual. The more vigilant you are, the less likely you are to fall for a scam.

Did you find these tips helpful? Share this article with your friends to help them avoid WhatsApp scams. Together, we can make the internet safer!

To learn more about how to protect your online accounts, check out our article on