WhatsApp users are being targeted by a scam which has seen some people locked out of their account.
Users receive an unexpected six-digit verification code seemingly from the app, before the information requested by someone posing as a friend, the Mirror reports.
The message reads: “Hello, sorry, I sent you a six-digit code by mistake, can you pass it to me please? It’s urgent?”
Passing over the six digits means that someone else will be able to access your messages and could leave you locked out of your account, according to victims.
People have been urged to delete the six digit code and text message as soon as they see it.
One WhatsApp user posted on Twitter : "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."
People who have been taken in by the scam include Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, who said criminals had been able to use his contact list to target more people.
Ray Walsh, Digital Privacy Expert at ProPrivacy said: "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."
The Mirror has contacted Facebook for comment.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
