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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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 out this Verification 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.

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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. 

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  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.

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

Living Will or Advanced Medical Directives - Post 5 of 5

 

Beyond Property: Living Wills, Advance Directives, and Succession Laws

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

Alongside that, it’s vital to understand the legal framework that governs inheritance in India when no Will is made.

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

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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 could 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) 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.

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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.

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

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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 - any act that intentionally helps a person kill themselves - 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.

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The Hindu Succession Act: What Happens Without a Will

If you don’t leave behind a Will, the Hindu Succession Act decides how your assets are divided. Here’s a simplified view:

• For Male Hindus
• Assets are divided equally among all Class I heirs (wife, children, and mother).
• If there are no Class I heirs, property goes to Class II heirs (father, siblings, grandchildren, etc.).
• For Female Hindus
• Assets pass first to sons, daughters, and husband.
• If none, then to the husband’s heirs.
• Next to her parents.
• Finally, to the heirs of her father and mother.
• Agnates and Cognates
• If there are no Class I or Class II heirs, property may pass to distant relatives connected through male (agnates) or mixed (cognates) lineage.

The takeaway? Without a Will, your spouse does not automatically inherit everything. Assets can be split among multiple heirs, creating legal and emotional complications.

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A Final Call to Action

Throughout this series, we’ve looked at:

1. Why everyone needs a Will.
2. The difference between nominees and beneficiaries.
3. How to draft a Will with clarity.
4. The painful consequences of dying intestate.
5. Living Wills and succession laws.

The message is clear: don’t delay. Creating a Will—or revising an existing one—takes only a little effort but saves your loved ones years of struggle.

Take a deep breath, step out of your comfort zone, and do it today. Your family will thank you tomorrow.

To make it simple, here is a template for making a Will. It is formatted for Legal sized paper, with a header (leaving extra space for the Registrar’s stamp) and footer for your Identity document details.

 

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

Make your Will now – Part 1 of 5 

Key terms in Making a Will- Nominations Beneficiaries Part 2of 5

Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips Part 3 of 5

Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass -Part 4 of 5

Living Will or Advanced Medical Directives - Post 5 of 5

 

Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass - Part 4 of 5

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—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"

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The Legal Process of Intestate Death

If you pass away without a Will, your heirs must go through the courts to claim your assets. This involves:

1. Listing Assets
• The family must prepare a complete list of all your properties, bank accounts, and investments. This is a one time effort.
2. Applying to the Court
• A lawyer files for a Succession Certificate or Letter of Administration (LoA).
• The above documents issued by a Court, act as legal permission for heirs to claim assets.
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).
• Lawyer’s fees and repeated visits add further financial burden.
5. Transfer of Assets
• Once the judgment is passed, heirs must send affidavits and letters to each bank, registrar, and other agencies to get assets transferred. This is a time-consuming process. Also, any financial asset not used or accessed for 7 years goes into the Investor Education & Protection Fund

💡 Even nominations don’t fully solve the problem. While a nominee can temporarily take control of funds, the legal heirs must still prove ownership through succession laws.

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Probate: When a Will Still Needs Court Validation

Even if there is a Will, certain cities—Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata—require a probate (court certification of the Will).

In cases of disputes, a probate may also be demanded by institutions before transferring assets. Without a Will, instead of a probate, there are lengthy succession proceedings, which are even more complex.

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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:

• Upload the death certificate, PAN card of the deceased, and proof of heir-ship (Will or certificate).
• The Income Tax Department will approve the application to file returns on behalf of the deceased.
• Pay pending taxes or claim refunds under 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 position of the legal heir.

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Real-Life Examples

1. Shares Left Behind Without a Will
• An elderly lady passed away in 1978 with a few shares in her name. Since no Will was made, the family could not process the issue.
• By 2018, the shares had multiplied in value. The surviving heirs—now elderly themselves—spent two years in court obtaining a succession certificate, with multiple visits and wasted days.
• Since the shares were already transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), separate applications had to be made to the IEPF for each company. The shares were finally transferred—40 years later!
2. The Curious Case of Multiple Wills
• In another case, three brothers each presented a Will supposedly signed by their late mother on the day she died.
• Shockingly, each Will left the entire property to the individual holding that will.
• The witnesses had unknowingly signed the documents with no knowledge that the Wills were not unique, making it impossible to determine which Will was valid.
• In the end, the lawyer advised the brothers to settle the matter amicably, as no court could reasonably decide between the contradictory Wills.

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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.

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Final Thoughts

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

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 part of a 5 part series of posts. The complete indexed list of links is below.

Make your Will now – Part 1 of 5 

Key terms in Making a Will- Nominations Beneficiaries Part 2of 5

Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips Part 3 of 5

Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass -Part 4 of 5

Living Will or Advanced Medical Directives - Post 5 of 5

 

Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips Part 3 of 5

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 5 Posts. Link to Part 2 titled "Key Terms in Making a Will"

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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 that leaves no room for misinterpretation.
2. Cancel Previous Wills
• Always begin by stating that you revoke all previous Wills and codicils, and that this is your last Will and testament.
3. Define Your Family Clearly
• Mention your spouse, children, parents, siblings, and in-laws as 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.
4. Identify Heirs and Succession Order
• Ideally, name one primary heir (often your spouse).
• Define who inherits if the primary heir predeceases you (e.g., children, parents, or siblings, other relatives).
• Think about unforeseen events—such as the entire family perishing in an accident—and specify a fallback succession.
5. Property Distribution
• Remember, you do not need to divide all your assets exactly in equal parts; an equitable distribution has to be acceptable to all beneficiaries. It is a good idea to discuss with the family what they would like to be bequeathed to each one, depending on whether they are in India or emigrated overseas. For example, a flat bequeathed to an NRI or OCI child involves complications in renting or selling due to the TDS process.
• Avoid bequeathing a single house to multiple children. This creates multiple owners and may lead to dispute. For example, one child needing to sell the flat because she needs the money, and the other wanting to live in it. Instead, assign each child a specific property or specify clear financial arrangements for equitable distribution in case of only one house.
• If you and your spouse jointly own a flat, clearly state that your undivided share goes to your spouse. This way the ownership becomes single, and uncomplicated Both spouses should make Wills that are aligned and consistent, including the successive beneficiaries.
6. Special Clauses
• Digital Assets: Mention what happens to your phone number, email accounts, and online investments. Do not list passwords in the Will—store them securely elsewhere in a location your family knows.
• Vehicles: Transfer ownership of vehicles to heirs, without stating registration numbers since these can change.
• Succession Layers: In case a child or spouse passes away earlier, specify the next in line (e.g., grandchildren, sibling). This is important, because if a person dies intestate, and there are no heirs, then the Government will take over the estate.

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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.
• Beneficiaries can act as executors but not as witnesses.
• Ideally, choose witnesses younger than you, so they’re likely to be available later.
• For senior citizens or those with health conditions, attach a doctor’s certificate confirming you are of sound mind.

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Registration of a Will

• A Will on plain paper is valid if completed as above; but registration adds an extra layer of authenticity.
• Registration is definitely recommended if:
• You own immovable assets, and property in more than one city. Else a Probate / Succession might be asked for.
• You want the option of retrieving 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.

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Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Joint Ownership Disputes: Don’t leave one property 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.
• No Succession Order: Always define who inherits next if your primary heir passes away first.
• Not Updating the Will: Review your Will after major life events—marriage, children, separation, or inheritance.

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Real-Life Example

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.

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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.

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 part of a 5 part series of posts. The complete indexed list of links is below.

Make your Will now – Part 1 of 5 

Key terms in Making a Will- Nominations Beneficiaries Part 2of 5

Drafting a Will - Guidelines and tips Part 3 of 5

Without a Will - Burdens on your loved ones after you pass -Part 4 of 5

Living Will or Advanced Medical Directives - Post 5 of 5