WhatsApp users need to follow three rules to protect your account from scammers stealing data and money
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
WHATSAPP users have been urged to urgently follow three rules to protect accounts from scammers.
The instant messaging app has over three billion active users, making it a huge target for cyber criminals.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
Whatsapp users have been warned to take step to protect their accounts
Credit: Getty - Contributor
And Action Fraud has warned users that there has been a huge surge in reports of Whatsapp takeovers, where fraudsters gain access to the account and send messages to contacts with the aim of stealing data and money.
Scammers often also lock people out of their accounts, so they can't send warnings to friends and family members to tell them they've been hacked.
In a post on X, Action Fraud said: "Protect your WhatsApp account against hackers.
"We continue to see a rise in the number of reports relating to WhatsApp account takeovers."
So how can you protect your account from scams?
Set up two step verification
One of the best ways to prevent hackers from accessing your account is to set up two-step verification.
This means that nobody can log in to your account unless you verify the log in on a secondary device, such as a laptop or tablet.
Two-step verification makes it almost impossible for hackers to take over your phone, and also alerts you that someone is trying to access your account.
To set up two-step verification head to your Whatsapp app and click on settings, account, two-step verification and enable.
Never share an an activation code
One of the main ways hackers gain access to your account is by sending you a message claiming to be from Whatsapp, asking you to share the activation code that has been texted to you.
WhatsApp warning as grandad tricked into sending £24,000 to 'son' after scammers posed as him & stole credit card
If you share the code, hackers can then reset your password, and kick you out of your account.
"Never share your account's activation code (that 6 digit code you receive via SMS)," Action Fraud said.
Stop, call think
Finally, if you receive a message from a friend or family member asking you for money, try calling them before acting on it.
Calling your family member helps to confirm their identity, and that they are actually asking you for cash.
You could ask a question that only your loved one would know the answer to, or set up a code word in advance to ask the sender for if you worry they are not who they say they are.
Scammer often pretend to be people's children, beginning their messages with 'hi mum', or 'hi dad'.
They then claim to have lost their phone and be locked out of their bank account, praying on the parents' concern for their children's safety.
Eventually, the fraudsters beg the mum or dad for rent money, with parents often forking out as they genuinely believe the texts are from their children.
These messages often arrive via WhatsApp or text message, with scammers also sometimes pretending to be close friends or parents.
According to Action Fraud, these types of scam messages led to a financial loss of £226,744 in the UK between 2023 and 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Dog walker dumps exhausted pet in home after walk in 27C heat before owner finds it dead
Dave McGhee - who runs Dave's Dugs - has been slammed for not seeking veterinary help for left English Bulldog Shelby. A dog walker dumped a granny's exhausted pet in her home after a walk in 27C heat leaving the owner to find it dead when she got home. Dave McGhee - who runs Dave's Dugs - left English Bulldog Shelby in her owner's Bellshill home after the walk. The dog 's owner, disabled gran Mandy Lawrie, 63, returned home to find two-year-old Shelby lying dead on the living room floor. The dog walker told Mandy's daughter he had taken Shelby on a 20 minute walk and the pet was returned to the house feeling no ill-effects. But a neighbour's doorbell camera captured McGhee carrying the dog lying in his arms up the garden path before it was left in Mandy's house. The clip confirmed Shelby was returned to the house almost an hour after she was picked up. Last night McGhee said he was sorry over Shelby's death. But Mandy has been left heartbroken. Her daughter Michelle said: 'It was really hot outside. He said he took the dogs on a short walk in the shade. 'He claimed Shelby walked in the gate and was happy when he dropped her off.' Michelle's suspicions arose and she asked her mum's next-door-neighbour for their doorbell camera footage. She said: 'We were shocked watching the footage. She looked lifeless. 'It was distressing seeing her in that condition. We couldn't believe it. 'My mum has MS and COPD. She's not fit to take the dogs out so that's why she relies on Dave. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Mandy, who suffers from MS and uses a mobility scooter, hired Dave's Dugs one year ago to walk her three pets after struggling with her mobility. McGhee had arrived at 10.30am on Tuesday to collect Shelby and Staffordshire Bull Terrier Raven and Mandy left behind a key for the dogs to be dropped off. Her daughter Michelle told the Record her mum has been left traumatised after finding Shelby. The 41-year-old said: 'Shelby was a bubbly wee dog. She usually runs to the front door when she hears us coming in but the house was quiet when we arrived. 'We walked in and she was lying dead on the living room floor. 'My mum is traumatised. 'I don't know how she will cope. 'She only lost her sister three weeks ago. The dogs are like her children. 'Her other dog Raven was just staring at Shelby's body wondering why she wouldn't move. It broke our hearts.' Michelle slammed McGhee for failing to seek veterinary treatment for Shelby. She said: 'He made no attempt to get her to a vet or even call us to say she was unwell. 'English Bulldogs struggle in the heat due because of their short muzzles - never mind being outside for an hour. 'It's disgusting. 'The way that this has happened is outrageous." Last night Dave told the Record: 'I am deeply sorry for the loss of Shelby. I have been walking dogs for over two years and have always prioritised their wellbeing. 'What began as a tragedy has unfortunately led to threats of violence. I will not be commenting further.' The tragedy occurred as a third heatwave struck Scotland this week. Temperatures are expected to soar to up to 30C across some areas of the country. Veterinary charity PDSA warned of the dangers of walking animals during extreme bouts of hot weather. PDSA Vet Emma Fisher said: 'Hot temperatures can lead to fatal consequences for our pets. 'Too much heat can be extremely dangerous for our canine companions, especially for flat-faced breeds and overweight dogs, who find it much more difficult to cool themselves down. Older dogs and those with ongoing health problems may also find it more difficult to manage their body temperature. 'Dogs don't sweat in the same way that we do, so to regulate their body temperature and cool themselves down, they pant instead. Panting is part of a dog's normal cooling process. 'Dogs love to run around, but that's also when heatstroke can sneak up on them, especially during hot weather. If you do head out for a dog walk, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is lower and temperatures are cooler. During a heatwave, skipping a walk altogether may be the safest option.' The SSPCA confirmed an investigation was ongoing. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 5.15pm on Tuesday, 12 August, 2025 we received a report of a dead dog at a property in Mossend, Bellshill. 'Appropriate advice was given to the reporter and there is no further police involvement.'
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Aldi's ‘magic' window cleaning gadget and ‘game-changing' vacuum to return to shelves in days
They will make cleaning chores much easier CLEAN IT UP Aldi's 'magic' window cleaning gadget and 'game-changing' vacuum to return to shelves in days Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALDI is unveiling a window cleaning gadget that has been deemed "magic" along with a "game-changing" vacuum on its shelves in days. The discount supermarket chain hopes to make revolutionise household cleaning with these products on sale for a good price. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Aldi is revealing its new Cyclonic Stick Vacuum in just days Credit: Aldi 2 The Electric Window Vacuum will also be on sale as part of Aldi's Specialbuys Credit: Aldi Aldi's upcoming Easy Cleaning game changers are the Cyclonic Stick Vacuum and Electric Window Vacuum. The two items will be landing in stores from Sunday, August 17. The Cyclonic Stick Vacuum is a returning product that was popular from Aldi stores, going for £39.99. It is designed with a powerful suction that operates on either an eco or maximum level to leave floors and carpets spotless. This cyclonic vacuum comes with a 550ml dust container that is washable, as well as a crevice and brush attachments. There is also a 180-degree swivel head on the end of the vacuum, that features easy attachment technology to make changing it easy. A longer cylinder tube is included for cleaning areas that are harder to reach. Additionally, Aldi is introducing the Electric Window Vacuum as a "game-changing buy" for speeding up household chores, priced at £19.99. This window vacuum features a powerful 12w supply, with a 40-minute minimum run time. The Electric Window Vacuum also includes a spray function, two cleaning pads, and an easily removable water tank. All upcoming 'Aldi Finds' in the middle aisle next week – including portable chargers, power toothbrushes & dryer balls It is therefore able to offer an effective and affordable option for homeowners to clean their windows with full coverage. These two products are part of Aldi's Specialbuys, which are likely to get sucked up fast. So shoppers should get into stores quick, as once these gadgets are gone, they're gone.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Two schoolgirls, 15, ‘sexually assaulted' near field in broad daylight attack as man, 39, is arrested
The suspect has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and possession of a controlled drug ATTACK PROBE Two schoolgirls, 15, 'sexually assaulted' near field in broad daylight attack as man, 39, is arrested Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAN has been arrested after two teenagers were sexually assaulted on a path close to a field. The two 15-year-old schoolgirls were walking on the path close to the green space in Adderley Green, Stoke-on-Trent, at around 12.35pm yesterday when a man approached them, police said. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up He then sexually assaulted both of them, Staffordshire Police said. Both girls walked away after the attack and told someone in the area about what happened to them. Now, cops have arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of sexual assault on a female and possessing a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis. Police had previously established that the suspect was known to the victims, after carrying out enquiries locally. Officers added that they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation. The suspect currently remains in custody for questioning. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
