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Someone asked for your WhatsApp code? It's a scam

A 6-digit WhatsApp code you didn't ask for, then a message asking you to pass it on, is how WhatsApp accounts get stolen. Here is how the trick works and what to do.

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  1. Why has WhatsApp sent me a code I didn't ask for?
  2. How does the WhatsApp code scam work?
  3. What can someone do with my WhatsApp code?
  4. What should I do if someone asks for my code?
  5. I already sent the code. What now?
  6. A friend's WhatsApp is asking me for money. Is it them?
  7. Does WhatsApp ever ask for my code or for payment?
  8. Common questions
  9. Related guides

Quick answer: never send anyone the 6-digit code WhatsApp texts you, even if the request seems to come from a friend or a group you're in. WhatsApp says someone trying to take over your account needs that code, and without it they can't use your number on WhatsApp. If a code arrives that you didn't ask for, ignore it and turn on two-step verification. If you've already sent it, go straight to WhatsApp hacked? How to get your account back.

Why has WhatsApp sent me a code I didn't ask for?

WhatsApp sends a code when someone tries to register a WhatsApp account with your phone number. WhatsApp says this often happens when another user has mistyped their own number, and it can also happen when someone is trying to take over your account.

Either way, you stay in control as long as you keep the code to yourself. WhatsApp says that without the code, anyone trying to verify your number can't complete it and can't use your number on WhatsApp.

How does the WhatsApp code scam work?

Which? describes the verification code scam like this:

  1. The scammer already has your phone number and enters it on WhatsApp's login screen. That makes WhatsApp send a real text with a verification code to your phone.
  2. At the same time, you get a WhatsApp message from someone posing as one of your contacts, with a story to get you to send them the code.
  3. If you send it, they can take over your account.

The message often comes from a friend's real account that has already been taken over, which is why it looks normal. Once scammers have your account, they use it to try the same trick on your contacts, or to ask them for money in your name.

What stories do scammers use?

  • "Sorry, I sent my code to you by mistake, can you send it back?"
  • "I'm organising a group video call, I'm sending you a code so you can join." Which? says Report Fraud has warned of scammers calling members of existing WhatsApp groups, posing as a group member, and asking them to pass on a one-time passcode to be "registered" for a video call.
  • A request that seems to come from a friend, a family member or someone from a group you're in, often with some urgency.

Whatever the story, the code is the key to your account. WhatsApp says you should never share your registration code with others, not even friends or family.

What can someone do with my WhatsApp code?

With it, they can register your number on their own phone and take over your account. WhatsApp warns that someone using your account could impersonate you in chats and groups. That's how the scam spreads: your contacts get messages from what looks like you.

WhatsApp says someone who re-registers your account on another phone can't read your past conversations, because messages are end-to-end encrypted and stored on your device. They can still send new messages as you until you take the account back.

What should I do if someone asks for my code?

  1. Don't send it. Not to a friend, not to a group admin, not to anyone claiming to be from WhatsApp.
  2. Check with the person another way. WhatsApp suggests confirming someone's identity with a voice or video call, or asking something only they would know. If a friend's account is asking, call their usual number: their WhatsApp may have been taken over.
  3. Block and report the sender in WhatsApp if it's a number you don't know.
  4. Turn on two-step verification so a code on its own isn't enough. On an iPhone, in WhatsApp tap You > Account > Two-step verification. On Android, tap the three dots, then Settings > Account > Two-step verification.

The National Cyber Security Centre gives the same advice for messaging apps: don't share verification codes, turn on two-step verification, and check your linked devices regularly.

I already sent the code. What now?

Act straight away:

  1. Open WhatsApp. If you've been logged out, tap Log back in, then Continue, and enter the new 6-digit code WhatsApp sends you. WhatsApp says re-registering with the code logs everyone else out.
  2. If it asks for a PIN you didn't set, the scammer has turned on two-step verification. WhatsApp says to wait 7 days and try again.
  3. Warn your contacts by text or phone that anything sent from your WhatsApp wasn't from you.

Our guide to getting a hacked WhatsApp account back covers every step.

A friend's WhatsApp is asking me for money. Is it them?

Treat it as a scam until you've spoken to them. WhatsApp says that if you get a suspicious message from a known contact, their account could be compromised. Call them on the number you already have. Which? suggests a family password or a question only the real person would know for exactly this situation.

If you've already sent money, call your bank straight away on 159, which connects you to your own bank. Then report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk (opens in a new tab) or on 0300 123 2040, or to Police Scotland on 101.

Does WhatsApp ever ask for my code or for payment?

WhatsApp says it's free and you don't have to pay to use it. If someone asks for payment to use WhatsApp, or offers to unban your account for money, WhatsApp says they are likely after your financial or personal information.

Got a message you're not sure about? Paste it into our free Scam Check. It runs in your browser and nothing you paste is stored.

Common questions

Why is WhatsApp sending me a verification code?

Someone has entered your phone number to register WhatsApp. WhatsApp says this is often another user mistyping their own number, but it can also be someone trying to take over your account. Don't share the code. Without it, they can't use your number on WhatsApp.

Someone asked for my WhatsApp code. Should I send it?

No. WhatsApp says never to share your registration code with others, not even friends or family. A message asking for a code, even from a friend's account, is the WhatsApp code scam. The friend's account may already have been taken over.

What can someone do with my WhatsApp code?

They can use it to register your number on their phone and take over your WhatsApp account. They can then message your contacts and groups as you, usually to ask for money or for their codes. WhatsApp says they can't read your past conversations.

I sent my WhatsApp code to someone. What should I do?

Open WhatsApp, tap Log back in, then Continue, and enter the new 6-digit code WhatsApp sends you. WhatsApp says this logs everyone else out. Then turn on two-step verification and warn your contacts by text or phone.

How do I report a WhatsApp scam?

In WhatsApp, open the chat and use block and report on the sender. Which? says you can also email a screenshot of the scam message to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you've lost money, call your bank on 159 and report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Sources

Last checked: 25 September 2026

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