Just imagine the scenario where your friend calls you in the middle of the night and asks, ‘Did you ask for money on WhatsApp?’. Your heartbeat goes high immediately because you know there could be a chance that someone else is controlling your WhatsApp.
The worst part about WhatsApp being hacked is that we don’t realize it until it is already done. But there are some warning signs you can watch for. Today, we are going to discuss 5 signs that you should check before hackers ruin your account, your privacy, and reputation.
Sign #1: People Are Getting Weird Messages “From You”
This is the big red flag that’s hard to miss. Your contacts start calling or messaging you on different platforms, asking about strange requests you supposedly sent.
Common scenarios in Indonesia include:
- Messages asking for emergency money transfers
- Requests for personal information, like bank details
- Links to suspicious websites or apps
- Messages that sound nothing like how you normally talk
You get calls from your parents where they are asking why you asked for their ATM PIN on WhatsApp. It’s obvious that you didn’t send the message, so your account has definitely been compromised.
These messages will most probably come when you are super busy or when you’re not actively checking WhatsApp. By the time you notice, many of your contacts may have already received suspicious requests.
Sign #2: Your WhatsApp Web Sessions Look Strange
Here’s something most people never check, but you don’t make the same mistake. You should open WhatsApp on your phone, then go to ‘Settings,’ followed by ‘Linked Devices, ’ and then look at the active sessions. If you see devices or locations that you don’t recognize, or maybe a city you’ve never visited, that’s a huge warning sign.
Hackers are always looking to link accounts from internet cafes or people using shared computers. If you see any linked device you didn’t authorize, someone else has access to all your messages in real-time.
The scary part is that hackers can read your messages as they come in, even if you change your password. They’re essentially looking over your shoulder digitally.
Sign #3: Messages You Never Sent Appear in Your Chats
This one is subtle but important. Scroll through your recent conversations and look for messages you don’t remember sending.
You might find:
- Replies to questions you never saw
- Messages sent while you were sleeping
- Conversations that seem out of character for you
- Messages with different typing patterns than your usual style
Sometimes hackers may delete these messages, but you can trace those messages using the WhatsApp backup system. If your family members talk about a conversation you don’t remember, then that’s a red flag.
Sign #4: Your Account Gets Logged Out Suddenly
Just imagine a scenario where you are using WhatsApp normally and then suddenly asked to verify your phone number again. This isn’t a random glitch; it means someone is trying to take control of your account.
When hackers attempt to access your WhatsApp from a new device, the original device (your phone) sometimes gets logged out. You’ll see verification screens asking for SMS codes you didn’t request.
Things become even more dangerous if you don’t pay attention. If you just assume it’s a technical issue and go through with the verification process, then you are making a big mistake. Just get in touch with risk management experts to prevent your account from getting hacked.
Sign #5: Your Phone Battery Drains Faster Than Usual
This might sound unrelated, but there is a shocking connection. If your WhatsApp is compromised and linked to multiple devices, your phone works harder to sync messages across all sessions.
You might notice:
- Battery draining faster than normal
- Phone getting warmer during regular use
- Data usage increasing without explanation
- WhatsApp taking longer to load messages
While these symptoms can have other causes, they are worth looking at if you are experiencing them alongside other warning signs.
What Makes Indonesian Users More Vulnerable
Let’s be honest about our local habits that make us easier targets:
We often share personal documents through WhatsApp – copies of KTP, family cards, even bank statements. We use WhatsApp for business transactions and share payment confirmations. Many of us have our phones linked to WhatsApp Web at offices or internet cafes.
These practices aren’t necessarily wrong, but they make the impact of a hack much worse. A compromised WhatsApp account in Indonesia often means access to someone’s complete financial and personal information.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
It’s not easy to determine if your WhatsApp has been hacked, as hackers often do their work smoothly. If you can determine it, take the right action immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage they will inflict on your WhatsApp account. If you experience any of the above-discussed signs, don’t ignore them. Trust your instincts. It’s better to be overly cautious than to be casual about the changes made to your account without your notice. Check your security settings and make the necessary changes to avoid bigger damage. If possible, consult a risk management company to help retrieve your WhatsApp account.
Take Action Now
You must act fast in case you suspect something is wrong. Log out of your WhatsApp from all devices except your main device. You must also enable 2-step verification and warn your contacts about potential suspicious messages.
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in the world. It is like a digital ID card for many individuals. So, protecting WhatsApp isn’t about your privacy, but it’s about protecting everyone in your contact list. So, stay alert, stay secure, and don’t let hackers turn your trusted messaging app into their scam platform.
