How to Report a Hacked WhatsApp Account [Complete Solution]

In current times, communication means such as WhatsApp are embedded in our lives. Family communication, work sharing, or just handling group chat, all these tasks are made easy with WhatsApp. And while the benefits are tremendous, the downside risks cannot be ignored. An individual may experience identity theft, incurred financial costs and loss of reputation because of a single hacked WhatsApp account. Therefore, it is important to learn how to report a WhatsApp account hacking activity for security concerns and access retrieval.

Let us Look Into The Reasons For The Hacking Activity

It is important to note how a WhatsApp account may have been breached before embarking on the restoration procedure. Here are some of the probable factors:

Phishing Attacks: There are various fake messages or links sent over the internet aimed at getting the credentials or the verification codes from users.

Malware: Malicious: software may be downloaded unknowingly which can infect the device and give an opportunity to the hackers to access the accounts.

SIM Swapping: A technique in which the hacker convinces the mobile service provider that new sim needs to be registered to the user there by accessing the verification codes for WhatsApp.

Public Wi-Fi Networks: effect, the opposite scenario also exists; a connection to Wi-Fi networks without protection.

Weak Passwords: Although there are no password requirements for using WhatsApp, linking it with weak or guessable emails can expose your account.

Personal Anecdote

A year ago a close friend of mine was scammed after being told by a fraudster impersonating Whats App Support that her account needed verifying and provided a link to do so. In less than a few hours, her account had disappeared after she believed the message and clicked the link. It taught her and all our close associates a lesson about the importance of being safe online.

Step by Step Procedure on How to Report a Hacked WhatsApp Account

In case you think that your WhatsApp account has been hacked, then you need to go through these steps in order to report the problem and get back your account.

Step 1: Try To Log In

Let’s begin by attempting to sign in to your WhatsApp account. In case you are able to open the application, activate two-step verification without delay since this feature will require a pin whenever the number is verified on a new device.

How to enable Two-Step Verification:

Go to Settings from WhatsApp.

Go to Account and choose Two-step verification.

Click on Enable and set a six digit pin by following the instructions displayed.

Step 2: Exit From All Active Sessions

If you face the problem of being signed into your account but thinks that it might have been accessed without your permission, then sign out from all your active sessions on WhatsApp Web or your Desktop app. This will help minimize the chances of illicit intrusion further.

Undo the login by following the steps:

Go back to the WhatsApp Web or Desktop Client.

Hit the three-dots icon at the upper-right corner of the application.

Click on ‘Log out from all devices option’

Step 3: Move ahead and ask for another verification code.

In case, you are not able to access your WhatsApp account for any reason, someone else who has access to the phone number linked will be able to get you a verifying code which can help you take control over the account once again.

New Verification Code Instruction/Guide:

Turn the application ON on the mobile phone.

Provide the phone number and press on Next.

Simply sit back and await an SMS or call to come through with the code verification.

Utilize the code and get access to the service again.

Step 4: Finally, Explain the Case to the Team at WhatsApp.

For situations when the above-mentioned steps do not help you with recovering your account, this is the point wherein reporting an issue comes forth to you.

How Did She Get Such a Deadly Scandal Within WhatsApp:

Launch the application on the mobile phone.

Go to Settings, then Help, and afterwards Contact Us.

Explain in detail what happened in your case such as what you would describe to be a breach of your private information or some kind of an unusual event, along with the efforts you made.

Step 5: Write an Email to WhatsApp Support

At times, the in-app option to report an issue does not provide speedy results. You can also contact WhatsApp by mail. Indicate your phone contact, your problem quite extensively, and any related material proof you have.

To email WhatsApp:

Find an email client and prepare one and send it to support@whatsapp.com.

You can try addressing the issue with an email by writing simply: “Hacked Account Recovery Request.”

Set out the issue in detail using as many words as are necessary to explain the details.

Step 6: Inform Your Contacts

Even as you wait for WhatsApp to get to you, try to let your contacts know of the situation. This way, they don’t get misled or scammed by anything coming from the hacked account of yours.

Step 7: Watch for Changes in Behavior

Different accounts you do business with i.e. email, social networks etc have to be scrutinized for abnormal functioning. Also, go ahead and change passwords for accounts that you suspect were compromised already.

How to Avoid Getting Hacked Again

Next time you are prompted to recover, do the following to enhance the security of the account:

Activate the Two-Step Verification: On Your Account: This is important to stop anybody who wants to break into the account from gaining access.

Don’t Be Fooled by False Links: Cross check who you are communicating with first before following any links or disclosing any credentials.

Refrain from Public Wi-Fi for Confidential Information: If it becomes necessary to connect to free Wi-fi, then you may connect with a VPN for added security.

Regularly Update the App: Make it a point to update WhatsApp and the operating system of your device so that threats are dealt with and there are no security loopholes.

Be Aware: Always stay abreast with the new scams that come up and the counter strategies available.

FAQs

How do I know my WhatsApp has been compromised?

Your account being accessed from different places without your knowledge or various types of messages being sent from your account can be a cause for alarm in regards to activating your account.

If my WhatsApp is hacked, can I bring it back to life?

Yes, you start recovering your account by applying the ways described above and that includes the ability to ask for a new verification code and to contact the WhatsApp support team.

What are the particular steps that are to be taken when a person’s phone number is changed without his consent?

When such happens, one should contact WhatsApp support and follow those instructions that are presented to the user in order to receive his number back.

What tips would you give to someone who wants to avoid getting their WhatsApp account tampered with?

Yes, there are, for instance, two-step verification features that should be enabled so that one does not fall a victim of phishing scams or an outdated app so that only the most recent security patch is in the app.

Time to respond to a reported hacking incident on WhatsApp can take how long?

Although timelines may differ, WhatsApp in most cases tries to resolve the support request as fast as it can. That can range from a couple of hours to several days.

When some user can’t find the email, or the telephone device to which his WhatsApp is registered, what will he do?

In the event, the registered email or phone cannot be recovered, try and give as much detail as you can. WhatsApp support may require further details.

Final Thoughts

Hacking a WhatsApp account is a catastrophe and therefore the user must know the procedure of reporting a hacked account and the way to site use recovery options. Every user who completed all the steps listed in the guide should be able to take back the account and do his or her best to avoid this scenario in the future. Always stay secure first by updating yourself and exercising caution through your devices. In the case of not directly communicating with anyone, take it upon yourself to always be on the lookout.