WhatsApp OTP Fraud Alert: Received an Unknown OTP on WhatsApp? Don’t Share It or You Could End Up Like This Chennai Man

WhatsApp OTP Fraud Alert: If you receive an unexpected OTP (One-Time Password) on WhatsApp, do not share it with anyone. A man from Chennai learned this the hard way when sharing an unknown OTP led to his WhatsApp account being hacked. Scammers then used his account to request money from his contacts, exposing the growing threat of OTP-based cybercrimes.

The Greater Chennai Police’s Cyber Crime Wing has issued a warning to the public, urging people to stay alert and never disclose their OTPs — even if the request seems innocent.

How the Fraud Unfolded

In this case, the scammer sent an OTP to the victim's mobile number. Shortly afterward, the victim received a message on WhatsApp claiming that the OTP was sent by mistake and asking him to forward it. Trusting the request, the man shared the OTP, unknowingly handing control of his WhatsApp account over to the scammer.

Once inside, the hacker messaged the victim’s friends and family, pretending to be in an emergency and requesting urgent financial help. Links for bank transfers or mobile payment platforms like GPay, PhonePe, and Paytm were sent along with the requests.

The fraud came to light when some of the victim’s friends contacted him via phone calls to confirm the money requests, only to realize his account had been compromised.

Cases like these have been increasing steadily in Chennai and across India, prompting authorities to step up awareness efforts.

The Growing Trend of WhatsApp OTP Scams

This method of hacking is alarmingly simple and effective. Scammers exploit people’s trust and lack of caution. By convincing a victim to share an OTP, they gain access to WhatsApp accounts within minutes. Once they have control, they use the victim’s credibility to trick others into sending money.

Given how deeply WhatsApp is integrated into daily communication, a compromised account can cause not just financial loss, but emotional distress and reputational harm as well.

How to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Scams

Cybersecurity experts and the Greater Chennai Police offer these critical tips to stay safe:

• Never Share OTPs: No legitimate entity will ever ask you to share an OTP over WhatsApp, SMS, or any other platform. Always verify independently if someone claims to have sent you an OTP by mistake.

• Enable Two-Step Verification: Secure your WhatsApp account by activating two-step verification.
  Go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification, and set a strong PIN. This adds an extra layer of protection even if someone gets access to your OTP.

• Re-register Quickly If Hacked: If you suspect your WhatsApp account has been hijacked, immediately log in again using your phone number and authenticate with a new OTP. This will kick the scammer out of your account.

• Stay Alert for Unusual Messages: Be cautious of sudden requests for money, especially if they come with emotional stories or urgent appeals. If in doubt, call the sender directly to verify.

• Report Suspicious Activity: If you experience or witness any cyber fraud, report it immediately to the nearest cyber crime police station or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.

Final Words

As digital scams become more sophisticated, staying alert is your best defense. WhatsApp is a powerful tool, but if misused, it can become a gateway for cybercriminals. By following basic safety practices and keeping your information private, you can protect not just yourself, but also your friends and family from falling victim to scams.

Stay safe, stay smart — and remember, your OTP is yours alone.