How to Warn Your Contacts When Your WhatsApp Is Stolen
While a scammer controls your WhatsApp, they message your contacts for money and codes. A short warning template and the other channels to use to reach people fast.
When a scammer controls your WhatsApp, every contact is a target. They borrow your name and trust to ask for "urgent" loans, mobile money, or codes to steal more accounts. Warning people quickly is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Which channels to use
- Normal text messages to family and close friends.
- Phone calls to anyone likely to send money quickly, such as parents.
- Social media posts or stories.
- Email for work contacts.
- A trusted friend who can post in groups you belong to.
A short template
Tell them what to look out for
- Requests for money "just until tomorrow". See a friend's hacked WhatsApp asking for money.
- Requests for their six-digit code. See the verification code scam.
- Links to "vote" or "claim" something.
Once you have the account back, send a short follow-up so people know which messages were not from you. See after recovering your WhatsApp.
Still recovering? See WhatsApp hacked: step-by-step recovery. For more, see WhatsApp scams and how to protect your account.
Frequently asked questions
Who should I warn first?
Family, close friends and anyone in groups where money is discussed, since they are most likely to be targeted and to trust a request.
Should I post publicly about it?
A short post on your social accounts can help reach people quickly. Do not include personal details.
What if someone already sent money?
They should contact their bank or mobile money provider immediately and report it. See our reporting guide.
Sources
- How to recover a compromised account, WhatsApp Help Center
- About suspicious messages and scams, WhatsApp Help Center
- Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money, US Federal Trade Commission
