Police warn about the latest WhatsApp scam: you could lose money and data.

The National Police have warned the public about a scam affecting WhatsApp users. Through a "simple but highly effective" scam, criminals are able to take control of the victim's account, access all their contacts, and use their identity to extort money.

Specifically, the police force explained in a statement that the scam begins when the scammers gain access to the WhatsApp account of a family member or friend, giving them access to saved messages and phone numbers.

The criminal then uses the friend or family member's account to talk to the person they're targeting. Since the person is someone they know, the victim isn't suspicious. The scammer claims they've lost their phone or are trying to recover their social media account , and asks for a code, which the victim will receive via text message.

The message arrives via SMS to the victim's mobile phone, with text such as, " Your WhatsApp account is being registered on a new device. Do not share this code with anyone. Your code is 000-000." The scammer tries to expedite the situation by feigning urgency or seriousness.

The number they ask for is the one used to open the scammed person's own WhatsApp account on another phone. By giving it to them, the scammer takes control of the account. In just a few seconds, you're logged out and can no longer use the app.

Now, the criminal will use the identity of the newly scammed victim to write to your contacts, ask for money, or repeat the scam. They can also view your message history and use it to make things seem more real.

The National Police recommends that all citizens follow these preventive measures, such as never sharing codes received via SMS, even if the message comes from someone you know ; calling the person directly to verify they are who they claim to be; activating two-step verification on WhatsApp; and always being suspicious of requests for money or personal information via text message.