Or: How to Advertise to Scammers That You’re Exactly the Kind of Person They’re Looking For
The Bait: “Just dial this code to see his WhatsApp messages”
Let’s get one thing straight. If it were this easy to spy on someone’s encrypted WhatsApp conversations, Mark Zuckerberg’s lawyers would have spontaneously combusted, and every tabloid journalist in the UK would be out of a job.
This week, Facebook and TikTok have been flooded with viral videos from random influencers, telling you to:
“Just dial *#333*HIS_NUMBER*1# and all his WhatsApp chats will show up on YOUR phone.”
Sure. And if you tap your heels together three times and whisper “Elon Musk”, your Tesla will fly you to Mars.
Let’s be blunt: this does NOTHING. It’s not a real code. It’s not even a funny fake code. But that’s not the problem.
The Real Danger: Why This Is More Than Just Stupid
You know how people used to say, “Forward this message or Facebook will start charging £1 a month”? And loads of people actually did?
These posts work on the same principle. And here’s what’s happening:
Step 1: Scammers test for gullibility.
They post a fake code. You type it in. It does nothing.
You comment:
“Didn’t work 😭”
Congratulations. You just added yourself to a list titled “EASY MARK”.
Step 2: The next one will do something.
Once they’ve built trust, the next “code” they post might:
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Divert your calls and texts to a scammer’s number
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Activate call forwarding, meaning your 2FA codes go to them
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Mess with your voicemail access
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In rare cases, work in tandem with an app to spy on your SIM activity
This isn’t tinfoil-hat stuff. These codes are called USSD codes and MMI codes, and they do have power, if used deliberately.
Real examples of scary codes:
Code | What It Can Do |
---|---|
**21*number# |
Diverts all your calls |
##002# |
Cancels all call forwarding (useful if you’re cleaning up) |
*#62# |
Shows if your calls are already being forwarded |
*#06# |
Displays your IMEI (used in some phone theft scams) |
Start randomly typing this stuff and you’re not spying on your man — you’re volunteering to be robbed.
Why This Costs Everyone
Think you’re clever because you didn’t lose money? Cool. But the scammers still made a list of people who might. And those people? They fall for the next scam. And when they do, they call their bank. Then the bank pays out. Then…
💥 We all pay.
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Bank fraud claims go up
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Fees and interest rates go up
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Insurance costs rise
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Cybersecurity premiums rocket
And while Karen gets her money back from the fraud claim, the scammers walk away richer. Again.
Basic Rule of Thumb:
If someone online tells you, “Just type this secret code into your phone,” ask yourself:
“Would I do it if a random bloke knocked on my door and said the same thing?”
Because that’s what this is. Imagine this:
Stranger: “Hiya love, if you just open your front door and give me your keys for 10 seconds, I’ll tell you if your boyfriend’s lying to you.”
Sounds mad, right? But online? Apparently not.
What You Should Do Instead:
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Don’t follow any “secret phone code” advice unless it comes from a trusted tech source.
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Do run codes like
##002#
if you’ve got reason to suspect call forwarding has been enabled (especially after losing your phone). -
Talk to your IT provider, if you’re with TL Martin Ltd, we’ll always tell you what’s safe and what’s utter bollocks.
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And for the love of all things encrypted, stop trying to hack your partner. If you’re that suspicious, you’ve got bigger problems than WhatsApp.
TL;DR:
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No, dialing
*#333*their number*1#
doesn’t magically give you their WhatsApp messages. -
It literally does nothing, on iPhone, Android, EE, Vodafone, O2, or anywhere in the UK.
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But it does tell scammers you’re gullible, and they love that.
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Typing random codes into your phone can lead to call forwarding, blocked SIMs, spyware installs, or worse.
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Scammers use viral hoaxes to identify future victims — including who comments “It didn’t work.”
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You’re not James Bond. Your phone isn’t a CIA terminal. Stop acting like it.
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Always check tech advice with your IT provider, like TL Martin Ltd, before doing anything a random on Facebook told you to.
Final Thought: Don’t Be the Scammer’s Research Department
When you copy and paste, comment, or share these posts, you’re doing the scammers’ legwork. You’re helping them build their mailing lists. You’re testing their hooks. And you’re pointing them straight at your nan who believes everything she sees on Facebook.
Want real security? Want actual peace of mind?
Don’t trust Facebook reels. Trust your IT provider.
Speak to us on 01902 244300 or services@tlmartin.ltd.uk