How Does Someone Keep Taking Over My WhatsApp?

I have a phone number, which I don't use on WhatsApp.
But someone keeps installing WhatsApp using that number.
I get the verification code sent to my phone whenever they
install the app.

How are they able to install WhatsApp using my number, yet
I get the verification code on my phone?

What can I do to stop this?

Someone keep accidently put the wrong phone number maybe?

As long you don't have scam email/message telling you to give the verification number, maybe there is old grandma keep putting the wrong number

your phone may be compromised or de active the SIM card

akunbajak said:

Someone keep accidently put the wrong phone number maybe?

As long you don't have scam email/message telling you to give the verification number, maybe there is old grandma keep putting the wrong number

Click to expand...

I don't think it's accidental, cause this time round the person
even uploaded the photo of a man, as their profile picture.
Then they register the account as a business account.
I highly suspect they want to use the number to spam or
scam people.

Mr Positive said:

your phone may be compromised or de active the SIM card

Click to expand...

I can't deactivate the SIM card, since I use it.
Compromised in what way?

You should file a complaint or at least report it to Whatsapp. This seems to be a serious concern.

They might be accessing your phone through a backdoor or rat vulnerability.

Julzwriter said:

I don't think it's accidental, cause this time round the person
even uploaded the photo of a man, as their profile picture.
Then they register the account as a business account.
I highly suspect they want to use the number to spam or
scam people.

Click to expand...

Do you know the man?

bdman said:

Do you know the man?

Click to expand...

No

don't let this guy eat your dinner and sleep in your bed.

you have to report it to whatsapp

It could be a compromised sim card. It could be that someone is wiretapping you (mitm on mobile network, attacker acting as bt). Or it could even be a malware on your device that managed to get sms read permission. Try switching the phone perhaps.

Report to Whatapp and also if possible contact who your phone network and get help of them.

I would recommend as you well you check your phone for a backdoors since it could easily be hacked as well.

Julzwriter said:

I don't think it's accidental, cause this time round the person
even uploaded the photo of a man, as their profile picture.
Then they register the account as a business account.
I highly suspect they want to use the number to spam or
scam people.

Click to expand...

Your Phone might be hacked check it.

ryuk said:

Your Phone might be hacked check it.

Click to expand...

no way bro... that's conspiracy theories already...

Julzwriter said:

I have a phone number, which I don't use on WhatsApp.
But someone keeps installing WhatsApp using that number.
I get the verification code sent to my phone whenever they
install the app.

How are they able to install WhatsApp using my number, yet
I get the verification code on my phone?

What can I do to stop this?

Click to expand...

For whatever reason they are trying to claim your number when they sign up. But as you are receiving the code they cant.

Id say the best thing you can do is actually sign up and activate with the code. The account will then be connected to your sim.

You can delete the app from your phone and forget about it. Probably best not to allow whatapp access to your contacts during sign up though to minimise the data they get.

If you wanted to avoid installing whatsapp on your phone all together you could itry and nstall it on the bluestacks android emulator and activate it with your phone number.

Can he log into WhatsApp or you are just receiving these codes and that's it...?

Julzwriter said:

I have a phone number, which I don't use on WhatsApp.
But someone keeps installing WhatsApp using that number.
I get the verification code sent to my phone whenever they
install the app.

How are they able to install WhatsApp using my number, yet
I get the verification code on my phone?

What can I do to stop this?

Click to expand...

you literally have a batgirl costume (your avatar), you know what to do (attack with some laser shit).

There's an attack called a sim swap where they get hold of the phone operator and active a SIM on your phone nr for a while before it's noticed and reversed.

Anyway if anyone is targeting you on purpose, they are interested in some of your data on that phone.

First, your phone number cannot be duplicated by the operator, to check that, you can turn your mobile off, and call your number with another mobile to see if it's ringing
Second, since op said someone changed the picture, then i assume only one thing, someone have access to your whatsapp trough web interface, someone who had access to your phone, it's just 5 seconds step by scanning QR code.
Then that "someone", is trying to use your whatsapp access on his mobile, that's what he can't do

First delete your whatsapp account from settings "It will disconnect all access on web interface", then login again, after that, setup 2FA

That will solve your problem for sure

Sardi said:

Can he log into WhatsApp or you are just receiving these codes and that's it...?

Click to expand...

He can log into the WhatsApp.