- Police warn of verification code scam to steal WhatsApp accounts and ask contacts for money.
- The Civil Guard solves a case of extortion involving death threats via WhatsApp in León.
- WhatsApp launches 'Scam Alert', an AI-powered feature that warns of suspicious messages from unknown numbers.
- Experts recommend verifying any urgent money request through other means and never sharing codes.
The most worrying thing is that there are more and more variations, and scammers are constantly refining their techniques. That's why both the authorities and Meta itself are implementing measures to curb this wave. In this article, we'll tell you how scammers operate, what WhatsApp has done to protect you, and what tips you should follow to avoid falling into their trap.
The verification code scam: how they steal your account
The most widespread scam involves impersonating someone you know to obtain a WhatsApp verification code. The National Police have detected cases in La Rioja and warn that they could spread throughout Spain. The scam begins with a message that appears to be from a friend or family member: their name, photo, and usual phone number are displayed. At some point, this person asks for a seemingly simple favor: to share a code that was mistakenly sent to your phone.
Actually, that code is the one WhatsApp sends to register your account on another device. If you give it to them, cybercriminals can access your account and use it to ask your contacts for money . They often create a sense of urgency to distract you: excuses like a problem with the bank, an urgent transfer, or a payment they can't make right then. The police emphasize that the code is personal and non-transferable, and that not even a family member should ask you for it.
Once scammers gain control of your WhatsApp account, they impersonate you and message your contacts. This is a way to amplify the scam: each stolen account becomes a gateway to new victims. The best defense is to verify any unexpected requests for money through another channel, such as a phone call. If you can't speak to the person, be suspicious.
Extortion with death threats: the case of León
Another tactic that has put the Civil Guard on alert is extortion through threatening messages. Recently, the Cyber Command's Team @ solved a case in León where a resident of Salamanca transferred more than €1.000 after receiving death threats against him and his family. The alleged perpetrator used different phone numbers and sent images of extreme violence to increase fear.
The investigation began when the victim filed a report through the online portal. Agents analyzed the conversations, the phone numbers used, and bank transactions, managing to identify the perpetrator. The Civil Guard reminds the public that they should never pay under threat; the best course of action is to report WhatsApp scams and keep all evidence . In this case, the transfers did not stop the demands, and only filing a report brought the nightmare to an end.
Scam Alert: WhatsApp's new weapon against fraud
Meanwhile, Meta has introduced a feature called Scam Alert, an AI-based system that you download to your phone and that analyzes incoming messages from numbers not in your contacts. If it detects typical scam patterns, such as requests for personal information, an urgent tone, or overly attractive promises, it displays a warning within the chat. Only the recipient sees the warning; the sender remains unaware.
This tool is in beta and is activated manually through the settings. It has one significant limitation: it only analyzes messages from unknown senders, not saved contacts. In other words, if a friend has been hacked, their message won't pass the filter. Even so, it's an extra help. AI can complement common sense, but it doesn't replace it . In fact, experts recommend continuing to apply the golden rule: be wary of any urgent requests for money or personal information that you shouldn't share on WhatsApp , regardless of who they come from.
Final tips to avoid falling into the trap
If you receive a suspicious message, the advice is clear: don't reply immediately, verify through another channel, and never share codes, passwords, or bank details. The police also recommend enabling WhatsApp's two-step verification, which adds an extra PIN. If you've been a victim, contact your bank, report it to the police, and warn your contacts so they don't fall for the same scam.
Ultimately, the best protection is in your own hands. WhatsApp scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but by following these guidelines you can significantly reduce the risk. Don't let the urgency of the situation deceive you. If something seems suspicious, stop, think, and verify it through another channel. Your peace of mind and your wallet will thank you.
