WeChat Alert ： Forced Offline? Urgent Steps to Secure Account

Source: OT-Team(G),WeChat

  What to do if your WeChat is stolen? Here comes the official tutorial.

  Have you ever encountered a situation where you did nothing and your WeChat account was forced to go offline? Or suddenly received a security alert from the WeChat team showing that your WeChat account is logged in on an unfamiliar device? This could mean that your account password has been compromised. Here are Wechat's recommended steps to protect your account.

Method 1: Self-service account retrieval

  Step 1: change the password to re-login the account

  After being forced offline, you can click [Retrieve Password] on the WeChat login page at the first time, fill in the complaint information according to the prompts to complete the complaint, and then reset the password if the complaint is successful.

  The new password should be a strong one that has never been used before, and make sure that it is not the same as the password used by other websites and apps.

  Step 2: Delete all suspicious devices

  Delete all suspicious login devices through the client [Me - Settings - Account and Security - Manage Devices] to avoid account login again in other devices.

  Step 3: Check whether the binding information has been tampered with.

  Check whether the binding information of the account is your own information, including mobile phone number, QQ, mailbox, and voice lock through the client [Me-Settings-Account and Security], if you find that the binding information is not your own information, you should change the binding as soon as possible.

Method 2: Emergency freezing, customer service assistance to retrieve the account

  Step 1: Emergency Freeze

  If you cannot retrieve your WeChat account through method one, you can initiate an emergency freeze as soon as possible or invite friends to assist in initiating it. Freezing your account will block unauthorized access and protect your funds from being transferred.

  Step 2: Contact customer service

  After freezing the account, it is recommended to contact WeChat customer service to provide feedback on any unusual problems encountered to obtain operational guidelines and further professional assistance.

  ● Tencent Customer Service Hotline: 4006700700

  ● Tenpay/WeChat Pay 24-hour service hotline: 95017

  Step 3: Unfreeze the account

  Once you have confirmed that you have eliminated the security risk, you can unfreeze your frozen WeChat account to resume normal use of the account.

  It is recommended to inform your contacts as soon as possible if your WeChat accounts are at risk of theft, and advise them to be cautious if they receive any requests for money or transfers from your account.

How to Prevent Account Hacking

1. Tiered Password Management

   Use different levels of password complexity based on the importance of the account and whether it is linked to financial assets. Regularly update your passwords, and ensure they differ from those used on other platforms. Avoid storing passwords in memos or favourites.

2.Pay Attention to WeChat Security Alerts

   If your account is forced offline or you receive a security alert, promptly follow the steps above to change your password or initiate an emergency freeze.

3. Enhance Awareness and Caution 

   Protect your personal information and never share your account details, passwords, or verification codes with strangers. Avoid renting out your WeChat account, clicking on suspicious links, scanning unknown QR codes, or downloading unfamiliar files. For accounts that you no longer use, consider deactivating them to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.