My WhatsApp was hacked and the attacker is asking my contacts for money, what should I do?

My WhatsApp account was taken over via a verification code scam and messages are being sent to my contacts asking for money in my name. I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

My WhatsApp was hacked and the attacker is asking my contacts for money, what should I do? is governed in India primarily by Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66C, Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D and Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 43. The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

This is a combination of unauthorised access (Section 43/66 IT Act) and identity theft/cheating by personation (Sections 66C and 66D), since the attacker is using your identity to defraud your contacts.

Immediately alert your contacts through another channel (SMS, call, other social media) warning them not to send money or click links from your WhatsApp, since the fraud typically moves fast in the first hour after takeover.

Reinstalling WhatsApp with your number and completing the OTP verification process will usually kick out the attacker's session, since WhatsApp only allows one active session per number tied to the verification code.

Enable two-step verification (a PIN) immediately after regaining access, since this is the single most effective control against repeat takeover via SIM-based OTP theft.

Report the incident to WhatsApp support and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in, especially if any of your contacts actually sent money to the scammer, so a fund-trace/freeze request can be initiated for their loss too.

What to do next: 1) Warn your contacts immediately through another channel not to trust messages from your account; 2) Reinstall WhatsApp with your number to regain the session via OTP; 3) Enable two-step verification with a PIN; 4) File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in, especially if any contact lost money.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66C carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and their interpretation change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case. Please consult a qualified advocate before acting on it.