It is possible to delete a WhatsApp account with just the phone number. Blocking the messenger for robbery or theft is very simple and not even safe because anyone can do it. Meta has temporarily removed the functionality after reporting on the issue.
The vulnerability was discovered by cybersecurity expert Jake Moore, who posted it on Twitter. He tested it with his own number, without needing to prove that he was the owner of the account.and got the auto-reply confirming the deactivation.
How does account deactivation work?
When you enter the FAQ page, there is a ‘Lost and Stolen Devices’ section. In it Meta explains how to progress. First, it recommends blocking the chip with the operator and offers two options, one of which is to activate WhatsApp on a new mobile.
A short time later it says “Send an email with the words “Lost/Stolen: Deactivate my account” in the body of the email and include your phone number in full international format as described here.
Fortunately, the process can be reversed in case some wildcard tries to delete someone else’s account. Possible save the number again in WhatsApp with a code sent via SMS.
The deleted account is not completely deleted and people can still see the user’s profile. Sent messages stay pending for up to a month and are retrieved when the account is reactivated. But after 30 days, the user is permanently deleted from WhatsApp.
Source: Tec Mundo
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