WhatsApp has become an essential part of everyday life in Nigeria. We use it to communicate with family and friends, run businesses, receive payments, share important information and connect with customers.
Unfortunately, scammers know this too.
A compromised WhatsApp account can be used to impersonate you, contact your friends and family, request money, access sensitive conversations or trick other people into becoming victims.
The good news is that there are several simple steps you can take to make your WhatsApp account much harder to compromise.
Here are 10 important ways to protect your WhatsApp account in 2026.
1. Never Share Your WhatsApp Verification Code
This is one of the most important rules.
When you register your WhatsApp number, you receive a six-digit verification code. Never give that code to another person, even if they claim to be a WhatsApp employee, bank representative, friend or family member.
A scammer may say:
“I accidentally sent a code to your number. Please send it back to me.”
Don't.
That code can be used to register your WhatsApp account on another device. WhatsApp itself advises users never to share their registration code or password.
2. Turn On Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification provides an additional layer of protection when someone tries to register your phone number.
WhatsApp is currently upgrading its traditional six-digit two-step verification PIN to a stronger password that can include letters, numbers and special characters.
Go to:
WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Two-step verification
Follow the instructions to set it up.
Also add an email address that you control so you have an additional recovery option.
3. Set Up a Passkey
WhatsApp now supports passkeys, which can allow you to authenticate using your phone's fingerprint, Face ID or screen lock rather than relying on a code.
Go to:
WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Passkeys
Then follow the instructions available on your device.
WhatsApp says passkeys are designed to make logging back into your account faster and more secure.
4. Check Your Linked Devices Regularly
Someone doesn't necessarily need to take over your entire WhatsApp account to spy on your conversations.
They may attempt to link their computer or another device to your account.
Regularly check:
WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices
If you see a device you don't recognize, log it out immediately.
WhatsApp recommends regularly reviewing linked devices and removing any device you don't recognize.
5. Be Careful With QR Codes
A QR code isn't automatically safe just because it looks legitimate.
Scammers can try to convince you to scan a QR code or enter a WhatsApp linking code under false pretences. Once successful, they may link their device to your WhatsApp account.
Meta has introduced warnings to help users identify suspicious device-linking attempts.
Rule: Never scan a WhatsApp QR code simply because someone online tells you to.
Understand exactly what you are linking before approving anything.
6. Don't Download Fake WhatsApp Applications
Only use the official WhatsApp application from legitimate app stores or WhatsApp's official channels.
Modified or unofficial versions of WhatsApp may promise extra features, but they can create serious security and privacy risks.
WhatsApp specifically recommends using the official version of the app.
7. Be Suspicious of Urgent Money Requests
Imagine receiving a WhatsApp message from your brother:
“Please send me ₦100,000 urgently. I'm in trouble. I'll explain later.”
Don't immediately transfer the money.
Call him directly using a phone number you already have.
Scammers can take over WhatsApp accounts and then use them to impersonate the victim and ask friends, relatives and colleagues for money. WhatsApp recommends notifying your contacts if your account has been compromised because someone may impersonate you.
8. Never Share Your Screen With a Stranger
Be extremely careful when someone asks you to share your phone screen during a WhatsApp call.
A scammer could use screen sharing to watch sensitive information such as:
- Banking details
- OTPs
- Verification codes
- Passwords
- Personal messages
- Other private information
Meta has introduced warnings around screen sharing with unknown contacts because scammers have used this tactic to obtain sensitive information.
If you don't know the person, don't share your screen.
9. Don't Click Suspicious Links
You may receive messages saying:
“You have won ₦5 million.”
“Your bank account will be blocked today.”
“Click here to claim your prize.”
“Vote for me in this competition.”
Don't click immediately.
Scammers can use links to take you to fake websites designed to steal passwords, banking information or other personal details.
When something looks suspicious, stop and verify it independently.
10. Know What To Do If Your Account Is Hacked
If you believe someone has taken control of your WhatsApp account, don't panic.
Re-register your phone number on WhatsApp using the six-digit code sent to your phone by SMS or phone call. WhatsApp says that once you successfully re-register the number, other devices using your account are automatically logged out.
Then:
1. Enable two-step verification.
2. Check your linked devices.
3. Remove anything you don't recognize.
4. Warn your friends and family that your account may have been compromised.
5. Tell them not to send money or respond to unusual requests from your account.
The Golden Rule: STOP, THINK, VERIFY
Before responding to an unusual WhatsApp message, remember:
STOP
Don't allow urgency or fear to make the decision for you.
THINK
Ask yourself: Does this request make sense?
VERIFY
Call the person directly or confirm the information through another trusted channel.
7 Things You Should Never Give a Stranger
Never give someone online your:
🔴 WhatsApp verification code
🔴 Two-step verification password/PIN
🔴 Bank OTP
🔴 ATM PIN
🔴 Internet banking password
🔴 Card details
🔴 Phone screen access
Your WhatsApp account contains valuable personal information. Protect it like you would protect your bank account.
Final Thoughts
Hackers and scammers don't always need sophisticated technology to steal an account.
Sometimes, all they need is your trust.
They may pretend to be a friend, relative, bank representative, employer, celebrity or even a WhatsApp support agent.
Don't allow pressure, fear, greed or excitement to override common sense.
Take a few seconds to verify before clicking a link, sharing a code, scanning a QR code or sending money.
Your WhatsApp account is your digital identity. Protect it.
Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe online.
This article is intended for cybersecurity awareness and general educational purposes.
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