WhatsApp हॅक झाले: साध्या सहा अंकी कोड मुळे अनेकांची फसवणूक

 

श्रीमती एम. यांच्यासाठी तो एक अगदी नेहमीचा दिवस होता. अचानक त्यांच्या फोनवर WhatsApp चा व्हेरिफिकेशन कोड — सहा अंकी क्रमांक आला. त्यांनी तो मागवलेलाच नव्हता. लगेचच WhatsApp वर त्यांच्या एका विश्वासू कॉन्टॅक्ट कडून संदेश आला:

“मी चुकून तुम्हाला एक सहा अंकी कोड पाठवला आहे. कृपया तो मला परत पाठवाल का?”

त्या क्षणी त्या दुसऱ्या एका महत्त्वाच्या कॉलवर व्यस्त होत्या. फार विचार न करता घाईघाईने त्यांनी तो कोड कॉपी करून पाठवला. काही सेकंदांतच त्यांचा WhatsApp बंद पडला. त्या लॉग आऊट झाल्या होत्या. आणि त्या परत लॉगिन करण्याआधीच हॅकरने त्यांचा अकाऊंट ताब्यात घेतला.

पुढे जे घडले ते आणखीच भयानक होते — हॅकरने त्यांच्या संपर्कातील लोकांना आपण अडचणीत असल्याचे सांगून त्यांच्याकडून पैसे मागायला सुरुवात केली. हा संदेश थेट श्रीमती एम. यांच्या नंबरवरून आल्याने लोक घाबरले आणि काळजीत पडले. काहींनी पैसे पाठवण्याचाही विचार केला.

---

लगेच झालेले नुकसान

श्रीमती एम. यांना आपले WhatsApp चालत नाही हे लक्षात आल्यावर त्यांनी फोन करून मला हे सांगितले. मी लगेच आमच्या ग्रुप्समध्ये पोस्ट करून टाकले की त्यांचा WhatsApp हॅक झाला आहे आणि त्यांच्या नंबरवरून आलेल्या पैशांच्या मागण्यांकडे दुर्लक्ष करावे, आणि कोड ची मागणी आली तरी कोड देऊ नये.

दुर्दैवाने, हॅकर (त्याला आपण श्री. एच. म्हणूया) फारच वेगाने काम करत होता. त्याने माझे अलर्ट डिलीट केले आणि मला काही गटांतून बाहेरही काढले.

खरे तर माझी जरा चूकच झाली. ज्या गटांमध्ये मी अ‍ॅडमिन होतो तिथून श्रीमती एम. यांचा नंबर मी सर्वात आधी काढायला हवा होता आणि मगच ग्रुपवर इशारा द्यायला हवा होता. म्हणजे हॅकरला पुढे ग्रुपचा ताबा मिळाला नसता.

---

तुमच्या कॉन्टॅक्ट्स पैकी कुणाचे WhatsApp हॅक झाल्यास काय करावे

• ज्या गटांमध्ये तुम्ही अ‍ॅडमिन आहात, तिथून हॅक झालेला तो नंबर काढून टाका.

• जर "हा अ‍ॅडमिन असल्याने त्याला काढता येत नाही" अशी अडचण आली, तर इतर अ‍ॅडमिनना सांगून काढून टाकायला सांगा.

• ग्रुप सदस्यांना आणि इतर कॉन्टॅक्ट्सना वैयक्तिकरीत्या कळवा: “या नंबरवरून आलेल्या पैशांच्या मागण्या स्वीकारू नका. WhatsApp हॅक झाले आहे.” (श्रीमती एम. यांचा नंबर).

• हॅक झालेला नंबर ब्लॉक आणि रिपोर्ट करा.

• गटाच्या चॅट मध्ये महत्वाची माहिती असेल, तर Group Settings > Export Chat करून ईमेलवर सेव्ह करून ठेवा.

• अ‍ॅडमिनने संवेदनशील माहिती असलेले मेसेज डिलीट करणे आवश्यक आहे.

श्रीमती एम. यांच्या बाबतीत धोका मोठा होता. त्या दृष्टीबाधित विद्यार्थ्यांना शैक्षणिक ऑडिओ पुस्तके पुरवणाऱ्या स्वयंसेवी गटाच्या संचालक होत्या. सर्वांचा त्यांच्यावर गाढ विश्वास होता. दुर्दैवाने, ह्या विश्वासामुळे काही जणांनी हॅकरला पैसेही ट्रान्सफर केले. काहींनी थेट फोन करून खात्री करून घेतली आणि त्यामुळे त्यांचे पैसे वाचले.

श्रीमती एम. अनेक गटांमध्ये सक्रिय असल्यामुळे हॅकरला एका फार मोठ्या नेटवर्कमध्ये प्रवेश मिळाला. त्याने OTP आणि पैसे मागणारे शेकडो मेसेज सर्वत्र पाठवले.

---

व्हॉट्सअॅप्  हॅकिंग कसे होते?

व्हेरिफिकेशन कोडचा सापळा

हा कोड कुणालाही देऊ नये!

• प्रत्येक WhatsApp खाते एका फोन नंबरशी जोडलेले असते.

• नवीन डिव्हाइसवर WhatsApp लॉगिन करताना, एक सहा अंकी कोड WhatsAppवर येतो. 
  

• हा कोड कधीही कोणाला देऊ नका.

• हॅकर हा कोड देण्यासाठी आपल्याला जाळ्यात ओढतो. आणि मग खात्यावर पूर्ण ताबा घेतो.

विश्वासू संपर्काची फसवणूक

• हॅकर बहुधा आधीच हॅक झालेल्या एखाद्या कॉन्टॅक्टच्या नंबरवरून मेसेज पाठवतो.

• पाठवणाऱ्याचे नाव ओळखीचे दिसल्याने लोक सहज फसतात.

आर्थिक फसवणूक

• खाते हॅक झाल्यावर, हॅकर त्या व्यक्तीच्या ओळखीच्या लोकांना पैसे मागतो.

• बहुधा "अडचणीत असल्याची परिस्थिती" सांगितली जाते.

• पैसे मनी म्युलकडे जातात (हॅकरच्या वतीने पैशाचे व्यवहार करणारे इसम) आणि त्यांचा माग काढणे अवघड असते.

---

फसवणूक टाळण्यासाठी काय करावे

तुमचा व्हेरिफिकेशन कोड कधीही शेअर करू नका

• WhatsApp चा सहा अंकी कोड हा तुमच्या ATM पिनइतकाच गोपनीय आहे.

• WhatsApp कधीही तुमच्याकडे हा कोड मागणार नाही. त्यामुळे हा कोड कुणीही मागितला तरी देऊ नका.

दोन-स्तरीय सुरक्षा सक्षम करा (two step verification)

• WhatsApp मध्ये जास्तीची सुरक्षा करण्याची सोय आहे: सहा अंकी पिन + ईमेल पत्ता.

• हे करण्यासाठी:

  • Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable

  •  पिन घाला आणि नीट लक्षात ठेवा किंवा लिहून ठेवा. तो फक्त तुम्हालाच माहिती असू द्या.

  • Email address देऊन authenticate / verify करा

    
    
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

      

अडचणीचा बहाणा करून केलेल्या पैशांच्या मागण्यांबाबत सावध रहा

• एखाद्या मित्राने व्हॅट्सॅप्प वर पैसे मागितले तर त्याला फोन करून खात्री करून घ्या.

• WhatsApp कॉल न लागल्यास मोबाईल नंबरवर कॉल करा.

• कधीही फोनवर कोणालाही, कुठलाही कोड देऊ नका.

खाते हॅक झाल्यास त्वरित पुढील कृती करा-

• WhatsApp पुन्हा इन्स्टॉल करून तुमच्या नंबरवरून लॉगिन करा.

• support@whatsapp.com वर रिपोर्ट करा.

• स्थानिक सायबर क्राईम सेलला कळवा. 

• कॉन्टॅक्ट्सना थेट फोन करून माहिती द्या.

• तुमचा नंबर सर्वांनी ब्लॉक व रिपोर्ट करावा असे सांगा.
  

• Report करताना “Hacked for Money Fraud” असा स्पष्ट उल्लेख करा.

---

थोडक्यात...

डिजिटल जगात सहजासहजी विश्वास ठेवणे किती धोक्याचे आहे श्रीमती एम. यांच्या अनुभवाने दाखवून दिले. केवळ एक कोड शेअर केल्याने हॅकरला संपूर्ण WhatsApp ताब्यात घेता आले आणि त्याने अत्यंत थंड डोक्याने अनेकांचे नुकसान केले.

त्याहून वाईट म्हणजे ही फसवणूक अनेक गटांमध्ये पसरली आणि ज्येष्ठ नागरिक आणि विद्यार्थी यांच्यापर्यंत पोहोचली.

ह्यातले तात्पर्य स्पष्ट आहे:

• व्हेरिफिकेशन कोड शेअर करू नका.

• दोन-स्तरीय सुरक्षा सुरू करा.

• हॅक झाल्यास त्वरित कृती करा.

आजच्या वेगवान डिजिटल जगात सावधगिरी हीच खरी सुरक्षा आहे.

---

तुमचे मत किंवा माहिती असल्यास ती कृपया कमेंटमध्ये सांगा. साइन-अपची गरज नाही, आणि तुमची वैयक्तिक माहिती इथे सेव्ह केली जाणार नाही.

---

WhatsApp Hacked: How a Simple 6-Digit Code Compromise Led to Fraud

 

It was just another ordinary day for Mrs. M when her phone buzzed with a WhatsApp verification code — a six-digit number she hadn’t requested. Almost immediately, she received a message from a trusted contact on WhatsApp:

“I accidentally sent you a six-digit code. Could you please share it with me?”

Without thinking twice, and because she was preoccupied on another call, Mrs. M copied the code and sent it across. Within seconds, her WhatsApp account went silent. She was logged out, and before she could regain control, the hacker had taken over her account.

What happened next was worse — the hacker began messaging her contacts, asking for money under the pretense of an emergency. Friends and family members, seeing the message come from Mrs. M’s number, were alarmed and some even considered sending funds.

---

The Immediate Fallout

When Mrs. M realized she couldn’t connect to WhatsApp, she reached out by phone. I immediately alerted our groups, warning everyone that her WhatsApp had been hacked and advising them not to accept any money requests from her number. Unfortunately, the hacker impersonating as Mrs M — let’s call him Mr. H — acted fast. He deleted my warnings from the groups and even removed me from those groups.

In hindsight, that was a mistake on my part. The first thing I should have done was go into the groups where I was an Admin and remove Mrs. M’s number before posting any alerts. That would have limited the hacker’s access and ability to spread the scam further.

What to Do if Your Contact’s WhatsApp Has Been Hacked

• Remove the hacked number from any groups where you are an Admin.

• If you get an error saying you cannot remove that Admin, ask other Admins to attempt the removal.

• Send direct messages to as many contacts as possible: “Do not accept money requests from this number because the WhatsApp is hacked.” (Mrs M’s number)

• Block and report the compromised number.

• If important information is stored in a group, go to Group Settings > Export Chat and email the conversation for safekeeping.

• Admins must also delete any messages with sensitive information.

In Mrs. M’s case, the stakes were higher. She was a source of a lot of support for the visually impaired, and managed a group assisting visually impaired students with educational material. She was both trusted and loved by everyone. Sadly, some of her contacts believing the requests were genuine, transferred small sums. A few cautious members tried calling her directly - WhatsApp calls were declined by Mr. H, but regular phone calls went through to Mrs M, and those payments were thankfully avoided.

Because Mrs. M was active in multiple groups, the hacker gained access to a wide network of contacts. Using this, he propagated the fraud across various circles — sending more OTP requests and urgent money appeals.

---

How the Hack Works

1. The Verification Code Trap

   Every WhatsApp account is tied to a phone number.

   When someone tries to register WhatsApp on a new device, the app sends a 6-digit verification code via WhatsApp to the owner’s number.

   Hackers trick the victim into handing over this code, which allows them to take full control of the WhatsApp account.

   The image below is what the request looks like 

   

   NEVER give this or any other

    code 

    

2. The Trusted Contact Deception

   Hackers often send the request from an already-compromised contact’s account.

   Because the message comes from a familiar name, victims feel safe responding, almost compelled, really.

3. Monetary Fraud

   Once inside, hackers impersonate the victim and message contacts asking for urgent financial help.

   The help asked for involves transferring money to a third person, with a promise to return it in a day or two. Alternate reasons could be given like, Gpay is blocked etc. The money goes to a money mule, and can rarely be traced.

   This exploits trust within social circles and spreads the scam further.

---

How to Avoid Falling Victim

1. Never Share Your Verification Code

   The 6-digit WhatsApp verification code is as private as your ATM PIN.

   WhatsApp itself will never ask you to share it with anyone.

2. Enable Two-Step Verification

   WhatsApp offers an extra layer of security: a 6-digit PIN that is required in addition to the verification code. Add an email address also.

   To activate:

   Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.

   Choose a PIN only you know.

   Go to Settings > Account > Email address.

   Add your email address and verify it from via email received from WhatsApp. 

• 

  The two settings to secure your account

3. Be Wary of Urgent Requests

   If a friend messages asking for money or a code, verify by calling them directly. DO NOT transfer money unless you speak to your contact. Never give ANY code to anyone over the phone as a watertight rule.

   Hackers rely on urgency to bypass your critical thinking.

4. Act Quickly if Compromised

   If you lose access to your WhatsApp, reinstall it and try to log in immediately using your own phone number.

   Report the issue to WhatsApp via support@whatsapp.com.

   Report the issue to the local cybercrime helpdesk.

   Inform your contacts on phone that your account was hacked so they don’t fall prey to scams. Ask your family and friends to pass on this message on all the groups.

   Ask your contacts to block your compromised number. 

   Give the reason “Other” and type “Hacked for Money Fraud”. Select “Report to WhatsApp” and block. Multiple block requests with this message will help WhatsApp deactivate that account.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Key Takeaway

Mrs. M’s experience is a reminder of how easily trust can be exploited in the digital world. A moment of absentmindedness — sharing what seemed like an innocent code — gave a hacker complete control of her WhatsApp account.

Worse, the fraud spread quickly across groups and even targeted vulnerable students she supported. The lesson is clear: prevention and quick action matter.

Protect yourself by keeping your verification codes private, enabling two-step verification, and acting swiftly if a contact is hacked. In the age of instant communication, vigilance is your best defense.

This is especially important because today, you are your phone number. Bank sends updates, airlines send flight information for example. Further, all the media accounts run by Meta send OTPs on your WhatsApp, so the hacker could gain control of your FB or Instagram accounts too. 

Secure your WhatsApp right away and be secure. 

---

Do you have any more information that will help others? Please put it in the comments below - a sign up is not needed, and none of your data is saved.

Post #5 - WILL Essentials - Information about Living Will or Advance Medical Directives for the Terminally ill - Post 5 of 6

 

Beyond your assets: Living Wills, Advance Directives

In the previous blogs, we explored the importance of making a Will, drafting it clearly, and the painful consequences (for your loved ones) of you dying without one. But there’s another equally important aspect of planning for the future—your own medical choices during your lifetime.

This page is the 5th one of a 6 part blog, the previous page is titled "Without a Will- Burdens on your loved ones after you pass"

---

What Is a Living Will (Advance Medical Directive)?

A Living Will, also called an Advance Medical Directive, is a legal document that specifies the kind of medical care you want—or don’t want—if you become unable to communicate your wishes.

This would include decisions about:

• Use of ventilators or feeding tubes in terminal illness.
• Whether you want life-prolonging treatment when recovery chances are negligible.
• Whether doctors should perform resuscitation (CPR) or revival by defibrillation etc in critical cases.

The key idea is simple: your family shouldn’t have to make these painful choices for you without guidance on what your wishes were. So, if you do not want to be kept barely alive for months on end being fed liquids through a tube, or don't want to be kept alive in a coma because aggressive treatment was not stopped in time, this is the space to make it clear to your loved ones. If you have clearly stated in your Will that you do not want aggressive treatment or ventilator or tube feeding etc then your family members will find themselves much less burdened when they have to take the tough decision on your behalf when you are physically unable. Believe me, from personal experience, it makes a big difference.

You can also specify about organ donation or body donation in your Will. 

---

Why It Matters

Modern medicine can sometimes prolong life at the cost of comfort and dignity. A Living Will ensures your preferences are respected and relieves your loved ones of guilt or conflict when making medical decisions. This way none of your family members will hesitate in telling the treating doctor not to undertake aggressive treatment and unnecessarily extend your life at a critical point. After all, your quality of life is also important to you, right?

Although a Living Will can be a separate document, why not include it in your main Will? After all, it is your Will and you can write whatever you think is right for you - and it will be followed. I have included this point in the template for a Will (link is at the bottom)

For example, I recently signed a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form during my hospital admission, clearly stating that I didn’t want aggressive life-extending treatment in case of complications during surgery. This made my family’s role much easier—they simply had to follow my wishes.

---

Legal Recognition in India

•         In 2018, India's Supreme Court allowed people to draw up living wills and thereby choose passive euthanasia, where medical treatment can be withdrawn under strict guidelines to hasten a person's death. Active euthanasia is any act that intentionally helps a person kill themselves and is illegal in the country. Here is a link to a blog about the SC Judgement from 2018 about a Living Will. Dr Nikhil Datar, a Malad-based gynaecologist had filed this case. He also fought for and won many rights for pregnant women. 
•          BBC brought out an article on the importance of a Living Will, the link is here.
• A hospital in Mumbai has started a clinic to help prepare a living Will - here is the link.

---

 Document File for Will Template Click here for a link to the Will Template 

This page is the 5th in a 6 part series of posts. The complete indexed list of links is below.

Make your Will now – Part 1 of 6 

Key terms in Making a Will- Nominations Beneficiaries Part 2 of 6

Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips Part 3 of 6

Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass -Part 4 of 6

Living Will or Advanced Medical Directives - Post 5 of 6

Some examples, discussions and clarifications - Post 6 of 6 (to be published)  

 

Post #4 WILL Essentials -Without a Will, the burdens on your loved ones after you pass - Part 4 of 6

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? The Harsh Realities of Intestate Death

In the earlier blogs, we looked at why making a Will is simple and essential, and how to draft one effectively. But what if you don’t make a Will at all?

When someone dies intestate—meaning, without a valid Will—the family is left navigating a long, expensive, and emotionally draining legal process. Let’s break it down.

This page is part 4 of a 5 part blog, the previous part is titled "Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips"

---

The Legal Process of Intestate Death

If you pass away without a Will, your heirs will have a lot of trouble transferring your investments and properties. Your heirs will have to go through the courts to claim your assets. A lot of paperwork is needed:

1. They need to locate and list all the Assets
• The family must go through all your records, and prepare a complete list of all your properties, bank accounts, and investments which is submitted to the court. If you have not been methodical then finding the originals also may take a long time. This is the single list to be listed in the court order. If you miss out on something, the court process has to be repeated.
2. Applying to the Court
• A lawyer files for a Succession Certificate or Letter of Administration (LoA). 
3. Court Hearings
• All heirs must attend hearings in person, sometimes traveling from different cities or even abroad.
• Delays are common—hearing dates are often postponed at the last minute.
4. Costs and Fees
• The process usually takes at least two years.
• Court fees are a percentage of the total value of assets (including property) which can become lakhs of rupees at the least.
• Lawyer’s fees and repeated visits add further financial burden.
5. Transfer of Assets
• Once the judgment is passed, heirs must then send affidavits and letters to each bank, registrar of shares or funds, and other agencies to get assets transferred. This is a time-consuming process. Any financial asset not used or accessed for 7 years goes into the Investor Education & Protection Fund.

💡 Just making a nomination doesn’t solve the problem. While a nominee can temporarily take control of funds, the legal heirs must still prove ownership through succession laws. The Nominee cannot spend any money transferred to her, legally speaking. Many MF houses insist on a Will or a court order if the value of funds exceeds certain value. Here is a link to one such document of a particular MF house, just as an example. It is clear that without a Will the paperwork is immense, and with a Will, the transition is smooth.

---

A Probate is no longer required in India.

A very positive step taken by the Government by the enactment of the Repealing and Amending Act in December 2025, is the removal of Section 213 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925. A Probate for a Will is no longer mandatory. A written Will signed by two witnesses, shall be considered valid without Probate. In case there is a dispute, a Probate may also be demanded by institutions before transferring assets. However, without a Will, there are lengthy Succession proceedings in Courts, which are time consuming and expensive.

---

Income Tax procedures after death

The taxman doesn’t stop his work after death. The legal heir must log in to the account of the deceased and apply to file the final return as a legal heir. For this:

• First ensure all the bank accounts and investments are closed / transferred to the joint holder or nominee. Without this there will be income shown in the AIS the following tax year. 
• Log into the IT Dept portal with your own credentials > Register to Act on Behalf of Another Person > Estate of deceased. Upload the death certificate, PAN cards of the deceased and yourself. You need to upload a proof that you are a legal heir - this and important use of the Will. A copy of the Will or an Heir-ship certificate from the local Talathi or a Court order appointing the executor/s is needed.
• The Income Tax Department will approve the application to file returns on behalf of the deceased.
• Thereafter, pay pending taxes or claim refunds under your own (the heir’s) login as 'Heir' by filing ITR on the due date.

This process is smoother if a Will clearly identifies the heir. Without one, it becomes yet another legal headache to prove the identity of the one legal heir to file the ITR.

---

Why This Matters

Without a Will, your loved ones are forced into endless paperwork, legal fees, and family disputes. Instead of grieving and healing, they spend years battling bureaucracy.

The solution is simple: make a Will today. A few hours of your time can save your family years of pain.

---

Final Thoughts

Dying intestate is not just a personal choice—it’s a burden you leave behind for your family and loved ones.

In the next blog, we’ll look at an often-overlooked topic: Living Wills and Advance Medical Directives, along with an overview of the Hindu Succession Act. These can be just as important in planning for the future. The link is here.

 

This page is from a 6 part series of posts. The complete indexed list of links is below.

Make your Will now – Part 1 of 6 

Key terms in Making a Will- Nominations Beneficiaries Part 2of 6

Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips Part 3 of 6

Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass -Part 4 of 6

Living Will or Advanced Medical Directives - Post 5 of 6

Some examples, discussions and clarifications - Post 6 of 6 (to be published)

Post #3 WILL Essentials - Guidelines and tips for Drafting a Will -Part 3 of 6

How to Draft Your Will: Components and Practical Tips

In the earlier blogs, we discussed why making a Will is essential and clarified the difference between nominations and beneficiaries. Now, let’s get into the practical part: How to draft your Will.

The good news? It doesn’t need to be complicated. What matters most is clarity, simplicity, and foresight. You also don’t need a lawyer if everything is simple (Despite the image on this blog page !!)

This post is Part 3 of a total of 6 Posts. Link to Part 2 titled "Key Terms in Making a Will"

---

Key Components of a Will

When drafting your Will, keep these points in mind: 

1. Clarity Above All
• Be specific. Avoid vague or open-ended statements.
• Use simple language and shorter sentences that cannot be misinterpreted.
2. Cancel Previous Wills
• Always begin by stating that you revoke all previous Wills and codicils, and that this one dated ....... is your last Will and testament.
3. List out all your assets. It is necessary to make a detailed list wherever you are a complete owner or partial owner of the property(ies) you may own, your investment details, and list of vehicles etc. 
• Mention whether the property is self acquired (purchased with your funds) or inherited. Inherited property received if you are an heir via a Will or ancestral property that you have acquired with a clear title through a formal family agreement will count as self-acquired property as far as your Will is concerned. Clearly mention for jointly held property, that you bequeath your completed undivided share to your wife.   
• List all your investments clearly. You could simply put the bank Customer ID and say that all the FD bank account etc listed under that FD are your assets. Similarly, your Demat account number or MF account No etc will serve to  identify your investments. This is because over time, you may sell assets or purchase some more and this wya you don't need to list each and every FD, MF unit as long as you have clarified the Customer ID.
• List any jewellery you hold (either purchased or inherited). Women should mention if anything is received as 'Stree Dhan' because this has a special legal connotation.  
• While you should not put it in the Will, you must have all the documents for any Loans that you are repaying, the EMIs and what arrangements you may have made for the repayment in case of your passing away earlier than full repayment. List any other liabilities as well, store this information in the same location as your Will, and let your family know about all this. 
4. Define Your Family Clearly
• Mention your wife, children, parents, siblings, and in-laws as you feel will be relevant.
• Start by clearly stating that I have only two children (or three) and so on. Qualify this by stating their names with all details. (Do not use a loose term like 'I have two sons' - the authorities may twist things saying that the deceased has not specified if there are any daughters, or more than two sons - we got into a situation like this once with the RTO for transfer of a scooter)
5. Identify Heirs and Alternate Beneficiaries (Succession Order)
• Ideally, name one primary heir (usually, your wife). State that you will and bequeath all immovable and immovable assets to her, except as mentioned later in the Will. This could be done in case you have  bequeathed some amount of money your children, or one property to your only daughter (if you own two flats for example).
• Define who inherits your estate if your wife (the primary heir) predeceases you. Predecease means that she dies before you. Clearly define that if your wife passes away then children, parents, or siblings, other relatives will receive your inheritance in that specific order and in a specified percentage. For example, it can be both children receive 40% each and your mother receives 20% of your movable assets and the house she's living in.
• Think about unforeseen events—such as the entire family perishing in an accident—and specify a fallback succession beyond your immediate family also; this could be your bother/sister etc. This is called an order of succession, and will of 'future-proof' your Will, until you make another one after some changes. Once you write this, suppose your wife passes away, you do not need to amend your will, you would have already specified that your children shall inherit it in a particular share and so on.
6. Property Distribution
• You do not need to divide all your assets exactly in equal parts; an equitable distribution to all beneficiaries should be adequate for you. It is always a good idea to discuss with the family what they each would like to receive based on their needs. Some reasons can be - one of them has emigrated overseas or a different city, and does not expect to settle back at the home she grew up in. 
• Avoid bequeathing a single house to multiple children (for eg. , "both my children will get 50% share in my flat no 4, at Heavenly Housing complex")  . This creates multiple owners and may lead to dispute. It can happen that one child needs to sell the flat because she requires the money, and the other wants to live in it, creating a difficult situation. Instead, assign each child a specific property or specify clear financial arrangements for equitable distribution in case of only one house - this can mean, the house goes to one child, and from the investments etc, an amount equivalent to half the approximate cost of the flat will go to the other if there are adequate funds, otherwise the entire liquid investment goes to the other child. 
• If you and your wife jointly own a flat, clearly state "my undivided share goes to my wife". This way the ownership will become single (your wife will be the total owner) after you pass, and the other way around. Both spouses should make Wills that are aligned and consistent in the same way, including the successive beneficiaries. This means, if you have bequeathed the flat to Child A and money to B, then the wife should make the same arrangement. Making a Joint Will (that is, one single Will together) is complicated and I would not recommend it.
7. Special Clauses
• Digital Assets: Mention what happens to your phone number, email accounts, and online investments, copyrights and patents if any. Do not list passwords in the Will—store them securely elsewhere in a location your family knows.
• Vehicles: Mention Transfer ownership of vehicles to any one of the heirs, without stating registration numbers since these can change.
• Mention of items or properties you stand to inherit: If you know that your father has Willed you his flat for example, then you should mention this in your Will stating ' my Father Mr ..... has bequeathed me his flat No 420, in Heaven Hills Housing Colony. This flat, I Will and bequeath to my younger daughter, in toto', or something like this. 
• Jewellery: If you believe there could be a dispute, then you should photograph each piece of jewellery (put a label next to it while photographing each item, with the name / serial number of the item) and include a printed photograph in the Will. 
8.  In the entire conversation here, I have written it as though the husband is making the Will, just to simplify the construction. Wives also must make a Will preferably at the same time as the husband, and specify everything in the same manner. 
9. In all this, a detailed discussion with your family members about their needs or preferences could help in going a long way to avoid confrontations later on.

---

Witnesses and Attestation

• A Will must be signed in front of two witnesses who cannot be beneficiaries; the witnesses must sign on the Will document. If you are registering the Will, your lawyer / person assisting with the process will tell you whether the Witnesses also need to travel to the Registrar's office and affix their signatures there.
• A witness cannot be a Beneficiary in your Will.
• Ideally, choose witnesses younger than you, so they’re likely to be available later to clarify.
• Obtain a doctor’s certificate / Signature with stamp and all details on the Will, confirming that you are of sound mind - this is essential for senior citizens or those with health conditions.

---

Registration of a Will

• A Will on plain paper is valid if completed as above. There is no cost to you if you are not registering the Will. Writing it on green or ledger paper gives it a longer life. A stamp paper is neither required nor recommended.  
• Registration however, adds an extra layer of authenticity and is definitely recommended if you own property in more than one city. It is also recommended in case you feel that there may be a dispute about your estate after you pass. Else a court order might be required in case of a dispute.
• Heirs can retrieve a certified copy from the Registrar’s office if the original is lost.
• If traveling to the Registrar’s office is difficult, some states enable registration at home for senior citizens.

---

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Joint Ownership Disputes: Do not leave a single property (house, flat, land) to multiple heirs without clear division. This often leads to disagreements.
• Contradictory Wills: Spouses must ensure their Wills mirror each other in spirit and letter to avoid disagreement.
• Not specifying a Succession Order: Always define who inherits next if your primary heir passes away first, and so on. For example, if you and your spouse both pass away then you can specify your mother, children, sister etc in descending order or in a percentage. This kind of situation can happen if you're traveling together and perish in an accident. 
• Not Updating the Will: Review your Will after major life events—marriage, children, separation, or inheritance. In the case of separation, it is essential to specify this, but do check with the lawyer handling your case, for better clarity.

---

Real-Life Example - Benefit of a specifying a Succession

A 92-year-old woman had bequeathed her house to her son. Unfortunately, in 2024 the son passed away before her at the age of 63. Since her Will didn’t specify what would happen if the son predeceased her, the document had to be redrafted and freshly registered. If she had mentioned her daughter-in-law or grandchildren as alternate heirs, the original Will would have remained valid. Since she was over 90 years old, there were challenges in going to the Registrar’s office for sure.

---

Final Thoughts

A Will doesn’t have to be a complicated legal puzzle. With clear writing, defined heirs, and attention to detail, you can save your family from years of litigation and stress. Remember there is no cost to making a Will at home on plain paper - just ensure that it is signed by two independent witnesses and preferably a doctor.

In the next blog, we’ll look at what happens when someone dies without a Will—and the long legal and financial challenges the family faces.

Do read further, Part 4, titled "Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass" is here 

 

This page is from a 6 part series of posts. The complete indexed list of links is below.

Make your Will now – Part 1 of 6 

Key terms in Making a Will- Nominations Beneficiaries Part 2of 6

Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips Part 3 of 6

Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass -Part 4 of 6

Living Will or Advanced Medical Directives - Post 5 of 6

Some examples, discussions and clarifications - Post 6 of 6 (to be published)