Dozens of WhatsApp users across the British Virgin Islands have reported sudden account lockouts and access problems this week, with some unable to recover their accounts despite having security features enabled.
Users with both Digicel and Flow mobile numbers described receiving unexpected verification codes, repeated notifications about account activation on new devices, and in some cases permanent bans from the messaging service. The incidents began at least a week ago and continued through the weekend and into Monday, October 19.
Some users retained access after dismissing repeated verification requests, while others lost access entirely without warning. One user reported waiting six days to reset her account. Another said WhatsApp Business was requesting an email address or password she did not recognise.
At least one user reported a permanent ban, with a WhatsApp Business notification dated October 17 stating the account could no longer use the service due to activity that did not follow the platform's business terms of service. That user alleged her account had been mirrored by hackers.
Business accounts have also been affected. One user reported her spouse lost access to his business contacts, while others said they recovered their accounts after contacting WhatsApp support directly.
The reports do not establish a single cause or confirm whether the incidents are connected. Some users suggested the problems may be linked to attempted account takeovers or social engineering attacks, though this has not been confirmed.
Neither Digicel nor Flow had issued a public statement about the reported problems as of Tuesday morning. WhatsApp has not commented on the incidents.
The BVI government previously warned residents about social engineering attacks targeting WhatsApp users in December 2024, advising the public to verify senders, avoid sharing passwords or verification codes, and enable multi-factor authentication.
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