How to spot a WhatsApp scam
Most common WhatsApp scams
Whether it's the 'Hi Mum and Dad' scam, fake job offers or even an account takeover scam, WhatsApp is used by opportunistic scammers.
WhatsApp allows users to message friends and family all over the world for free. It also enables people to call contacts and use video, audio and images in messages.
These features are sometimes exploited by fraudsters who impersonate brands, friends and family members in convincing scam messages in an attempt to con you out of your money.
If you haven't done so already, add an extra layer of security to your WhatAspp by setting up two-step verification (2SV). You can do this by:
- Opening WhatsApp settings. Tapping ‘account’ > ‘two-step verification’ > turning on or setting up ‘PIN.’
- Then choose and enter a six-digit PIN and confirm it. You can provide an email address to reset two-step verification or choose to skip this.
- Tap ‘next’ > confirm the email address > tap ‘save’ or ‘done.’
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1. Friend in need scam
The ‘hi mum and dad’ or ‘friend in need’ scam is sent via text message or WhatsApp by scammers hoping to cash in on your worry.
The scam message impersonates adult children, friends or other family members. The message tells you that they’ve lost their phone and, due to an incident or an emergency, need you to transfer money into a friend's account.
This tactic is used by fraudsters to get you to act quickly out of panic.
It's incredibly hard to say no to a loved one in need. If in doubt, pick up the phone and call them to confirm the authenticity of the message.
Tip: manage your scam risk by setting up a family password that only you and your loved-ones know to use in situations like this. If you receive a message from a loved-one in crisis, ask them for the password or you could ask them a question that only they would know the answer to.
Find out more: Which? helps a WhatsApp scam victim get their money back
2. Fake giveaways
Messages offering vouchers and free products regularly circulate WhatsApp. They typically take you to a malicious website and ask you to complete a survey before attempting to gain your personal and financial information to ‘post your prize’.
The messages often also ask you to reshare the message to a number of your WhatsApp contacts, to keep the scam spreading.
Tip: never trust an offer that is too good to be true and avoid clicking on links in text messages.
3. WhatsApp Gold upgrade
A message attempts to get you to download a fake WhatsApp upgrade first started circulating in 2016.
The non-existent upgrade called ‘WhatsApp Gold’ boasts ‘amazing features’ and ‘enhanced security’. Some messages will say that WhatsApp Gold is a version of the app used by celebrities.
Other versions of the scam lead to a dodgy website to ‘sign up’ for the service which actually downloads malware to your device that can allow scammers to steal your personal data.
Some messages also include a hoax chain message which tells you not to open a video called ‘Martinelli’. However, there has never been any evidence of this video being circulated.
Tip: be suspicious of any chain message, these are almost certainly a hoax.
4. Exclusive groups
Fraudsters have exploited WhatsApp's ability to allow you to create groups featuring up to 1024 members to groom potential victims into scams.
We’ve seen dodgy investment scam adverts lead to WhatsApp groups where you’re given free ‘stock trading advice’ for weeks before being asked to pay for this guidance.
Action Fraud has also warned of the use of WhatsApp groups by fraudsters. This is through scammers infiltrating existing groups by calling a member of the group pretending to be a genuine member themselves using a fake profile picture.
During the call, the scammer will say that they’re sending over a one-time passcode to allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members.
After this, the fraudster will ask them to share this passcode so they can be ‘registered’ for the video call.
However, if the scammers are given this code, they’ll be able to take over the victim’s account to impersonate them and scam other members of the group.
Tip: there are lots of ways someone could have got your number to add you to an 'exclusive' group, this doesn't mean their intentions are genuine and you should be wary of any unsolicited messages.
5. Verification code scam
After a fraudster has already obtained your phone number, they enter this into the WhatsApp login page which will trigger a genuine text message from WhatsApp containing a verification code.
The victim receives this message as well as a WhatsApp message from the scammer impersonating one of their contacts. The ‘contact’ will have a story to try to persuade the victim to give them the verification code they’ve just received.
If the scammer gets the verification code, they’ll be able to take over the victim’s account.
Tip: never give out your verification code to anyone, no matter how convincing their story may seem.
6. WhatsApp job offers
Out of the blue WhatsApp messages are sent by fraudsters offering you non-existent jobs. Sometimes, the scammer will impersonate real people at recruitment agencies or organisations.
These are job scams and employment fraud that will often consist of easy work that requires minimal qualifications and experience in exchange for a high salary.
The ‘job’ could require you to invest money into work equipment or systems that you’ll never get back or the scammer could ask you for your personal info, such as your passport, as part of the employment process to steal your identity.
Tip: these offers often come with an attractive salary or flexible work offer. Avoid engaging with job offers sent through text message or WhatsApp and only register with established and reputable recruiters.
How to spot WhatsApp scams
Any WhatsApp message you receive unexpectedly should be treated with suspicion.
Here are some other red flags that indicate it could be a scam:
- Too good to be true offers.
- Messages from random numbers or unknown contacts.
- Being invited into groups you’ve never heard of.
- Offers of app updates, as WhatsApp updates are automatic.
- Requests for money or personal details.
- Links included in messages.
Find out more: how to spot scams
Report WhatsApp scams
You can report a WhatsApp message by selecting it in your conversation and tapping ‘report’.
To report the sender on WhatsApp, open up the chat, tap on the sender's contact details and select 'block and report'.
You can also take a screenshot of the message and report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by emailing the image to report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you lose any money to a scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud, or call the police on 101 if you’re in Scotland.