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News India Live, Digital Desk: We all check our WhatsApp first thing in the morning. From our personal chats to banking details and photos-videos, everything happens there. Just imagine, what if someone takes full access to your WhatsApp in the blink of an eye? This is not a story, but a reality. Recently, I4C (Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre) of the Government of India has issued a big warning. He has clearly said that a new gang of thugs is active, who can take advantage of your small mistake and send you to jail. Sounds scary, isn’t it? But to remain alert, it is very important to know how this “QR Code game” is going on. How do thugs trap you? (How the Scam Works) This scam is so clever that even the most intelligent people fall into it. Scammers contact you – you may be lured with a lottery, a free gift, or a ‘special discount’. Or, you’re sent a QR code in the name of a conference or event. They say, “Just scan it and you’ll join the group” or “claim the gift.” As soon as you scan that QR code—game over! In fact, that QR code is not a payment code, but a WhatsApp Web login code. As soon as you scan, your WhatsApp opens on their laptop or phone. Now they can do whatever they want in your name. Why risk going to jail? (Why Jail?) Now you might be thinking, “My phone has been hacked, what is my fault in this?” This is the biggest problem. When hackers get access to your WhatsApp, they will not send bhajans and kirtans there. They will: Send messages from your number to dupe others (like “Send money, I am in the hospital”). Share illegal or anti-national content. Since the number is registered in your name, when the police investigate, they will directly knock on your door. In the eyes of the law, if the message has been sent from your number, then responsibility will also be considered yours. That is why the government has said that in this you can also go to jail. What to do to escape? (How to Stay Safe) Don’t panic, just a little wisdom is needed: Avoid scanning QR code: If an unknown person sends you a QR code on WhatsApp, do not scan it even by mistake. There is never a need to scan a code to get anything on WhatsApp. Turn on Two-Step Verification: Go to your WhatsApp settings and turn on ‘Two-Step Verification’. This works as a lock on your account. Keep checking Linked Devices: Check by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Linked Devices’ in your WhatsApp. If any device (laptop or computer) is visible there which you do not recognize, then ‘Log out’ it immediately. Your safety is in your hands. Share this information with the elders and children of your house too, because they often fall into such traps. Be alert, stay safe!