WhatsApp scam: Action Fraud receives surging number of scams which steals accounts - how to protect yourself

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Police are receiving a larger volume of reports about a vicious WhatsApp scam which steals accounts.

Action Fraud have received over 60 reports relating to the scam. It begins with a criminal getting access to another account on the messaging platform which lists you as a contact.

Posing as a friend or a member of a WhatsApp group you’re in, fraudsters will then send you seemingly normal messages to drum up a conversation. You will often receive a six digit code from the messaging platform at the same time, with the criminal trying to login into your account using your mobile number.

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A new WhatsApp scam is spreading. Picture: AFP via Getty Images.A new WhatsApp scam is spreading. Picture: AFP via Getty Images.
A new WhatsApp scam is spreading. Picture: AFP via Getty Images.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said con artists will try and deceive you by saying they sent you their code by accident and ask for you t