"I sent you a code by mistake, can you send it back?"
A typical message
Hi, sorry, I sent you a 6-digit code by mistake. Can you send it to me please? It's urgent.
How it works
The scammer tries to log in to WhatsApp or Viber with your phone number. The app texts you a code to confirm it's really you.
At the same moment a message arrives, often from a friend's account that was already taken over, saying they sent you a code by mistake and asking for it back. If you send it, they take over your account, lock you out, and write to all your contacts asking for money or for their codes.
The same trick is used with bank codes: a caller says they're from the bank and need "the code we just sent you" to cancel a payment. Giving it approves the payment.
How to spot it
- Anyone asking for a code that arrived on your phone. Nobody sends codes to the wrong number by mistake; the code was meant for you.
- Urgency, and a story that doesn't quite make sense.
- The code's own SMS says "don't share this code".
What to do
- Never send a code you received by SMS, to anyone, even a friend or the bank.
- Turn on two-step verification: in WhatsApp, Settings, Account, Two-step verification.
- Already sent it? Open WhatsApp and register your number again to get your account back, tell your contacts not to answer messages from it, and report it to the police on 1460.
More scams going around in Cyprus
- "Your parcel is held": the parcel fee scam
- "Your card is blocked": the fake bank message
- "I've paid, click to receive your money": the fake buyer scam
- "Hi Mum, this is my new number"
- Fake fines, tax refunds and government payments
- Easy money from your phone: the fake job scam
- The landlord who's abroad: the fake rental scam