A concerning new WhatsApp scam has been reported by many users, with people locked out of their accounts after falling victim to a subtle trick.
WhatsApp users report that they received messages from a contact claiming to be looking for a six-digit code.
Users say that the messages state: "Hello, sorry, I sent you a 6-digit code by mistake, can you pass it to me please? It's urgent?"
However, sharing the code sent alongside the message could give criminals access to your account.
Those who receive the text are being urged to delete it.
When a handset is upgraded or switched, WhatsApp generates a six-digit code to enable users to access messages archived in their history.
This is sent in a text message to the number associated to the account, and when handed over, means that someone else can access these messages.
It also means that victims will be locked out of their accounts.
Posting the warning to Twitter, one WhatsApp user said: "Three members of my family have lost access to their WhatsApp this morning.
"Hackers send a text message from WA with a verification code, then a WhatsApp text from someone you know saying they desperately need the code. Do not send the code or click the link."
Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine was taken in by the scam, saying criminals have used his contact list to target others.
One user sent a warning to their friends on Twitter: "If you receive a message from me on WhatsApp requesting for the six digit code, please don’t respond to it. My account has been hacked, and if you forward it, yours will get hacked too."
Another tweeted for help on behalf of a friend who fell victim to the scam, saying: "@WhatsApp my friend has lost control of his account after a malicious actor tricked him to send the six-digit Change Number code. What should he do please?"
Speaking to The Express, Ray Walsh, Digital Privacy Expert at ProPrivacy said that people should be vigilant for these scams.
"WhatsApp users need to be on the lookout for a worrying new scam that is allowing cybercriminals to hack into people’s WhatsApp accounts.
"Anybody who receives a message out of the blue with a one-time PIN code should be extremely wary because this is how the attack starts.
"Following the receipt of the unexpected OTP code, the hacker will send the victim a direct message claiming to be their friend or contact. They will then ask to be forwarded the code by claiming to have mistakenly sent it to them.
"That code is actually the two-factor authentication code for accessing the victim's WhatsApp account, and once the victim forwards it to the hacker they will use it to hack into their account.
"Always be on the lookout for any text messages that contain an OTP code and never, ever forward or screenshot or otherwise pass those codes on to anybody, no matter how genuine they sound."
