My WhatsApp has been hacked!

[ghostcake]

Hello all,
I received a text from a friends phone last night saying she accidentally forwarded a WhatsApp code to me & can I send to her. I sent it (she did the same thing earlier in the day with another friend) & now her account & my account have both been hacked.
I received a message saying my WhatsApp account has been deactivated and did I do this? I replied 'no'& it gave me a code to enter but then said I needed to try again in 6 hours.
I've deleted the app & am hoping I've deactivated my account & nobody can access my messages/pics - has anyone had this happen to them? What do I need to do?
Is there a way to safely contact WhatsApp?
Any advice would be so amazing.

This is what happens if you set your WhatsApp up on a new device, they text you a code that you receive via sms and it sets you up.
Call your number using another phone on WhatsApp and see if you get through, the person will have access to any new messages that come through, not sure on old messages or pics.
Have you tried downloading whatsapp again and going through the set up, as you have the number they should text you a code to get on it. That will deactivate it from any other handset that your number is on.
Lesson learned but don't pass on codes etc when asked, you're just giving away access to your account

Thanks AvoidingRealHumans
Tried downloading and said try in 9 hours...
Yet to try calling from another WA number.

Did you manage to sort it out?

I did this,

Wait 48 hours, then it’ll ask for your extra security code (you won’t have it only the hackers will) because you’ve actually managed to get this far this time, you will have kicked the hackers from your account. In seven days you’ll get access back, set up a security code when you do.

Also, it’s good to warn your contacts that you have been hacked so it doesn’t happen to them.

Not to alarm you but they might have access to your photos and messages.

This hasn’t happened to me, but when I have had a new phone (or delete and reinstall my phone operating system) I am prompted to set up WhatsApp again. As soon as I enter my number and the security code, all my previous chats appear as I have essentially logged back in.

I just got an sms from WhatsApp with a code, then a message from someone who is not in my phone book, but in a school mums group saying I've just had an SMS code sent to you in error...I need it its an emergency 😩 😫 😪 😕 😭 😞 😩

I just reported and blocked. It looks like she's been hacked and they are using her number to try and hack more accounts.

I can see how if it was from someone you knew you might panic and forward on the code.

Actually according to google your past chats are safe! So I wonder why people bother hacking WhatsApp? I’m guessing to phish money from your contacts or something

@Healththrowaway199

Actually according to google your past chats are safe! So I wonder why people bother hacking WhatsApp? I’m guessing to phish money from your contacts or something

Not true. It depends on your settings and chat backup options. Easy to retrieve most of the old chats if you know how.

@MaryBerrysChutney Ohhh dear! Guess I was right the first time, sorry OP

@Iwant2beJKRwhenIgrowUp set up two step verification now, it’s the only way to stop them hacking you

Thanks to whoever suggested it, I've just set up 2 step authentication on my WhatsApp

@AvoidingRealHumans

Thanks to whoever suggested it, I've just set up 2 step authentication on my WhatsApp

Good. Now do it on everything else - social media accounts, email accounts, anything involving your card details (eg your Uber account etc)

I might be a bit thick but why would anyone want to hack peoples whatsapps account...nothing exciting on mine...just chit chat to family and friends.

There was another thread on here recently about someone who's WhatsApp was hacked! It's obviously on the increase :(

Not that helps you OP.

fwiw I had to install WeChat recently and they insist that 'someone' sends you a credential so they verify you even to get started.

it looked bloody dodgy to me but turned out to be legit.

Things are moving very fast. you just don't always know what's legit and what isn't.

Nw ofc, I'm in my son's Chinese homework group and don't understand a single bloody heiroglyph ... !