Cloned WhatsApp: What to do?

The intentions of cloning and stealing WhatsApp by scammers are similar, but they are two different crimes.

In the case of a cloned WhatsApp, the scammer has access to a user's profile photo and contacts. With this data, he creates a new account and can chat with the victim's friends and family. Then, he tries to take money from contacts, as if he were the victim.

The theft of a WhatsApp account is when a user sends their verification code to scammers after a criminal approach.

The scammer does the WhatsApp installation into the victim's account on another device. In this type of crime, the scammer can pretend to be store or bank employees.

During the conversation, the six-digit verification code is requested to access the victim's account when installing WhatsApp on a new device.
The purpose of a stolen WhatsApp is also to ask the victim's contacts for money.

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Is it possible to regain access?

Even with a cloned or stolen WhatsApp account, it is possible to regain access. To do this, do not ask your operator to block the telephone line, as canceling the line does not affect the functioning of WhatsApp.

If you have been a victim of cloned or stolen WhatsApp, follow the instructions below.

What to do in case of cloned WhatsApp?

If there is a scammer pretending to be you on WhatsApp, the best option is to inform all your contacts about possible scam attempts as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not provide a way to cancel the cloned account. Therefore, it is up to you to notify your contacts of:

• Strange messages asking for money;
• An account in your name with an unknown number.

If you request money through the app, it's worth telling friends and family to transfer the money when you guarantee that it was you, whether through telephone contact or even a video call via WhatsApp.

What to do if WhatsApp is stolen?

In the situation of WhatsApp account theft, the application offers resources for you to regain full access to your account. Check out the instructions below:

• Try activating your account via SMS verification code several times until you inactivate it. In this way, WhatsApp will prevent access to the account due to the need for two-step confirmation;
• Wait seven calendar days;
• Request activation of your number again via SMS or phone call.

What can you do to prevent your WhatsApp from being cloned?

Scammers use different means to clone the application. Among them, a call is made asking for the verification code sent via SMS to the recipient, claiming that there was a problem with the phone and the account needs to be activated. By offering the code, you make it easier for your WhatsApp to be hacked without you realizing it.

Using two-step verification prevents your account from being compromised even if someone takes your SIM card or verification code. It is an additional layer of security that works like a password for your WhatsApp account. However, if you don't use the feature, your account could be hacked in the unlikely event that someone obtains your verification code.

There are some precautionary measures you can take to avoid WhatsApp cloning or theft. Check out the tips:

• Activate two-step verification on your WhatsApp. Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification > Activate.
• Be wary of messages and calls that request confirmation of a number received via SMS at the same time.
• Never disclose your security code to family or friends.
• Do not use public WiFi in public places.

This way, you can avoid a lot of headaches with cloned or stolen WhatsApp.