Accessing someone's account without them knowing is not a nice thing to do, but it is possible. For this, one of the methods instigates the cloning of the victim's WhatsApp. This type of scam exists, and it happens more than we imagine.
It's pretty easy to find websites or apps that promise to clone other people's WhatsApp. However, in addition to the potential for causing harm and committing crimes to this attitude, programs like this can turn against those who use them.
Understand that WhatsApp accounts can be cloned and prevent yourself so that the next victim is not you.
Does WhatsApp cloning work?
There are two ways to track or clone a WhatsApp. One of them is just to mirror the app on another device, usually using WhatsApp Web. This method usually involves third-party apps and programs that replicate content from one cell phone to another over the internet.
However, this type of application is unreliable. Many of them ask for permission to access certain areas of their cell phone, and this is where the spell can turn against the sorcerer.
In most cases, these apps require that the person trying to clone also have the original WhatsApp on their smartphone. That is, you will not be able to clone someone's WhatsApp by mirroring the application elsewhere without the person "authorizing".
The second method is SIM Swap. In this case, criminals rely on the help of employees of the telephone operator to deactivate a person's cell phone number and transfer it to a new SIM chip in the hands of the bandits.
Having the victim's number in hand, it is easier to access WhatsApp and send messages on your behalf. Then, they can impersonate you and ask your contacts for money. Not knowing how to identify the coup, many respond to requests.
How to protect Whatsapp from cloning?
First, make sure your WhatsApp is protected from third-party access. To do this, have two-step authentication enabled. Thus, if someone tries to clone your WhatsApp, you will receive an alert of unauthorized access on another device.
To activate, open the WhatsApp settings, select "Account", then "XNUMX-step verification", and tap "Activate". Next, you’ll need to set a six-digit password to protect your account. Avoid sequential numbers and birthdays to make it more difficult for attackers to work.
Another option is to install apps that put passwords on your messenger. There are several programs like this in the Play Store. them, your app will be placed in a “secure folder”: even if someone discovers your cell phone password, they will also need to discover your WhatsApp password.
Also, never share your SMS confirmation code with anyone else.
How do I know if my WhatsApp has been cloned?
It is difficult for the scammer to clone your WhatsApp without leaving any traces. Therefore, we will give you tips to identify if you have been a victim of a scam:
- Keep an eye out for messages you haven't sent in your conversations;
- See if you can find messages you haven't seen marked or viewed;
- Be suspicious if when you try to open WhatsApp, the app is logged out of your account.
What to do if WhatsApp is cloned
WhatsApp does not allow the same account to be accessed by two different smartphones. When this happens, the connected device stops working and is replaced by another one. This helps to identify when your account was stolen.
If this happens to you, your app will display the following message: “We were unable to verify this phone. Probably because you registered your phone number on WhatsApp on another device.”
However, using WhatsApp Web, you can stay connected on two different devices – computer and cell phone – and use the application on both. To solve this problem, open the WhatsApp settings, enter “WhatsApp Web” and select “Exit all computers”. Thus, any additional devices logged into your account will be disconnected.
How to recover cloned WhatsApp?
If you had your WhatsApp cloned and you couldn't solve the previous tips, it's time to contact the company's Help Center.
Before starting, just remember that your messages cannot be read on another device. After all, they are encrypted and are stored only on your own device. Also, warn friends and family, because the person may try to impersonate you – and even ask for money.
Now that you are calm and the people close to you have been informed, you can contact WhatsApp in the following ways: by cell phone, by PC or by using the form.
WhatsApp support: by mobile
- Access the WhatsApp app on your mobile phone. Tap the three dots menu and select “Settings”. In the next window, choose “Help”:
- Now select “Contact Us”. On the next tab, describe in detail what happened so that WhatsApp service has all the necessary information. Finally, tap on “Next”:
WhatsApp support: by puter
- Access WhatsApp Web or the desktop app. Tap the three dots menu and select “Settings”. In the next window, choose “Help”:
- Now select “Contact Us”. On the next tab, describe in detail what happened so that WhatsApp service has all the necessary information. Finally, tap on “Send”:
WhatsApp support: online form
Another way to contact WhatsApp is through the online form. Like the previous ways, together with the message you must inform some of your data, the telephone number, e-mail and operating system.
Did you fall for the Sim Swap scam? see what to do
Is there no doubt that you fell for the SIM Swap scam? So you'll need to take some action, starting with your phone. Contact your carrier and ask for the number to be blocked for robbery or theft. Thus, whoever is in possession of your number will not be able to use it or undo the changes.
The next step is to disable your WhatsApp account. To do this, send an email to support@whatsapp. and write "Lost / Stolen: Please disable my account" (without quotes) in the subject of the email.
In the body of the message, enter the stolen number following an international standard. Enter the country code (55 for Brazil) and the state code for your state, followed by the number. For example: +55 11 91234-5678.
After a while, the account linked to this number will be disabled. Your contacts will still see your profile, but no messages can be exchanged.
If you have a backup on your phone or in the cloud (iCloud or Google Drive), you can recover your conversations from there. The account can also be reactivated within 30 days. After that period, it will be disabled forever.
