WhatsApp Security: Complete Guide Against Scams and Hacking

2026-05-28 · 6 min de leitura · Camila Torres

WhatsApp is the primary channel for digital scams in many countries. Millions of accounts are compromised every year, and most victims didn't even realize what happened until it was too late. Protecting yourself is surprisingly simple once you know where to look.

And that's exactly what you're about to discover now.

The Most Common WhatsApp Scams

• Account cloning via SMS: the scammer asks for the 6-digit code pretending to be tech support
• Fake support scam: someone impersonating WhatsApp support asks for access credentials
• Social engineering through groups: messages in groups tricking you into sharing codes or clicking links
• Phishing via malicious links: links that look legitimate but steal your data when clicked

How to Lock Down Your Account in 5 Steps

1. Enable two-step verification, create a 6-digit PIN that will be requested when registering your number on another phone. Don't use your birthday.
2. Never share the 6-digit code, WhatsApp will never ask for this code. If someone asks, it's definitely a scam.
3. Regularly review connected devices, in Settings > Linked Devices, see everything that's logged in and disconnect anything you don't recognize.
4. Be suspicious of links, even from known contacts. If a friend sends a strange link, ask before clicking.
5. Use different passwords for your email, if the email linked to WhatsApp is compromised, the attacker can disable two-step verification.

What to Do If Your Account Gets Cloned

Act fast: try to log into WhatsApp with your number immediately. When you enter the 6-digit code sent by SMS, you disconnect the attacker. Then enable two-step verification and notify your contacts to ignore suspicious messages coming from your number.