Tech & apps
WhatsApp account takeover scam in India
WhatsApp अकाउंट हैक
How this scam works
A 'friend' or 'contest' asks you to share the 6-digit WhatsApp code you just received; they then take over your account and ask your contacts for money.
हिंदी में सारांश
6 अंकों वाला WhatsApp कोड किसी को न बताएं; टू-स्टेप वेरिफिकेशन चालू करें।
ठगी होने पर तुरंत 1930 पर कॉल करें या cybercrime.gov.in पर शिकायत दर्ज करें।
Warning signs
- Request for a WhatsApp verification code
- Friend suddenly needs urgent money
- Voting or contest link on WhatsApp
If you're targeted
- Don't pay, don't share OTPs or PINs, and don't install any app they suggest.
- If money was sent, call your bank and then 1930 within the first hour — quick reporting gives the best chance of freezing the money.
- File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in and keep screenshots and payment details as evidence.
India helplines · भारत हेल्पलाइन
- 1930National cyber fraud helpline (24×7) · साइबर फ्रॉड हेल्पलाइन
- 112Emergency / police · आपातकालीन सहायता
- 14448RBI complaint helpline (bank / UPI) · RBI शिकायत
- 1915National Consumer Helpline · उपभोक्ता हेल्पलाइन
- cybercrime.gov.inFile an online complaint · ऑनलाइन शिकायत
- ChakshuReport fraud calls/SMS · फर्जी कॉल की रिपोर्ट