WhatsApp: Billions warned to turn on this setting to avoid getting scammed

WhatsApp is advising its two billion users to follow these three important steps in order to keep their account and data safe from hackers. The safety advice comes during a period when mobile and online scams are rife as hackers target vulnerable people in order to use personal information for nefarious means.

The-step safety checklist offers preventative measures you can take to make it more difficult for your account to be hacked and WhatsApp recommends following all three tips to stay safe.

Never share your registration code

One of the most important pieces of advice you can follow is to never share your registration code as your WhatsApp SMS verification code is what lets you into your account.

Scammers will often attempt to trick you into sending your registration code to them, which will give them full control of your account. They might do this by posing as a friend or family member, or by telling you that they accidentally sent their own code to you.

WhatsApp warns not to share this code with anyone, as per The Sun:

You should never share your WhatsApp SMS verification code with others, not even friends or family.

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Turn on two-step verification

You should make sure you have two-step verification turned on to give an extra layer of protection that can help keep you safe.

In order to check that you have it on, go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification.

You will be able to create a custom PIN that makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your account.

Protect your data

The third step to staying safe on WhatsApp is by protecting your private information. This can include limiting your account so that only your contacts can see your profile photo.

Simply go into Settings > Account > Privacy > Profile Photo and choose 'My Contacts'.

WhatsApp also advises users to be wary of any people asking for money. This may sound obvious but it could be a friend or family member who has had their account hacked.

WhatsApp warns users to always check any payments:

Always call your contact to confirm their identity before making any money transfer.

Protecting your data also means being wary of who has physical access to your phone as they could be using your account without permission.

Read more:

⋙ WhatsApp hacks that will change your life, including how to read messages without being 'seen'

Sources used:

- The Sun 'CHAT'S RIGHT Billions of WhatsApp users must follow three step ‘safety check’ – it’s reckless to ignore it'

- WhatsApp 'Account security tips'