WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, which, unfortunately, also makes it a prime target for scammers. However, despite all the warnings and information available, new scams keep emerging, and people still fall for them. This guide explains the most common WhatsApp scams and how you can spot one before it’s too late.
1. The “Wrong Number” Scam
This one starts with a simple, seemingly innocent WhatsApp message, like “Hi, is this Sarah?” or “Hey, I wanted to check on our meeting.” When you respond by saying they have the wrong number, they act friendly and apologetic, while trying to steer the conversation toward casual topics.
Once they have your trust, they may claim to be an investor with a profitable project or share a sob story that tugs at your emotions. For example, you could be asked to send money for a “medical emergency” or to help them out of a sudden crisis.
2. Impersonation Scam
This scam involves someone pretending to be a loved one (your parents, siblings, or children). You will receive a WhatsApp message that mentions how their phone was stolen, damaged, or lost, which is why they are contacting you from a new number.
Once you’re convinced it’s someone you know, they will ask for help to pay a bill or handle another sudden “emergency,” saying how they cannot access their bank apps because of the new phone.
Sometimes the scammer will impersonate a scammer, which is also one of the many AI scams.
3. Job That Sounds Too Good to Be True
This is something I have personally encountered quite a few times. I have received a message on WhatsApp from the “HR representative” of a well-known company (mostly it is one of those big freelance platforms) offering me a job that requires little to no effort but pays really well.
Typically, once you express interest, the scammers will ask you to pay a processing or registration fee. You could even be sent fake documents on WhatsApp, like a contract or job offer, to make the opportunity seem real.
The giveaway scams use the same technique. They promise rewards but require you to pay a small fee upfront to claim them.
4. Romance and Dating Scam
This one is quite similar to the first scam shared above, but instead of pretending to be someone who accidentally messaged the wrong number on WhatsApp, scammers pose as potential partners on other apps, then change their number and move on to WhatsApp.
They will share some personal stories or pictures, and some will even have brief video calls with you to build your trust. Of course, things take a turn when you finally begin seeing them as your soulmate.
The requests can include asking you for financial help for an emergency surgery or even travel expenses to finally meet you in person.
5. WhatsApp Account Takeover Scam
The scammers send out messages (often from known contacts with compromised accounts) that say something like, “Hey, I accidentally sent you a six-digit code. Can you share it with me?” This can provide full access to your WhatsApp account to scammers, and they can go on to quickly lock you out.
WhatsApp will send a six-digit verification code when you’re setting up or logging in to your account on a new device. It is common for scammers to use this feature to access your account.
In many cases, scammers will send urgent messages to your WhatsApp contacts saying that you are having an emergency and need financial assistance. In more severe cases, they will go through your messages and media files to find sensitive information and use it to blackmail you.
6. WhatsApp Gold Scam
You’d think it’s common knowledge that WhatsApp doesn’t have a premium version, but some scammers are still convincing people otherwise. They send messages claiming that you can get access to an exclusive “WhatsApp Gold” version with advanced features that only a few lucky users can enjoy.
The message will contain a malicious link, and as soon as you click on it, you’re either taken to a fake site designed to steal your personal details or tricked into downloading malware. In some cases, the scammers can get access to your phone and all of its data.
7. Giveaway or Gift Scams
This is somewhat similar to the WhatsApp Gold scam, except in this one, scammers lure you in with offers of free gifts, lottery tickets, vouchers, etc. You will get a message that says you have won something exciting, along with a link or a QR code to “claim your reward.”
These direct you to forms that often ask you to enter personal information, like your name, email, and credit card details. Some take it a step further by asking you to share the link with a certain number of WhatsApp contacts to be eligible for the prize. Scammers then either infect your phone with malware or use the information you’ve provided to commit fraud, while spreading the scam to more victims.
Red Flags to Be Aware Of
Some scams are easy to identify, while some can be a bit challenging. The following list includes some common red flags that can help identify a scam (if your instinct doesn’t already tip you off):
- Unknown numbers: if you don’t know the sender, that’s your first clue to be cautious. Don’t rush to respond, especially if the message feels unusual.
- Urgency: scammers (most of them) aren’t patient. They push you to act quickly, whether it is to send personal details on WhatsApp or transfer them money.
- Suspicious links: scammers often disguise malicious links to resemble legitimate websites. Look for misspellings and any other inconsistencies. If you’re unsure, avoid clicking and visit the official site directly.
- Poorly drafted messages: most WhatsApp scam messages contain spelling errors, awkward grammar, or unnatural phrasing. If the message reads strangely or feels off, take it as a warning sign.
Finally, anything that feels too good to be true is most likely a trap. Remember, genuine opportunities rarely come through WhatsApp messages. It is also important not to share such opportunities further with your contacts, as you don’t want to be responsible for someone else’s loss.
What to Do If You’ve Fallen for a Scam
Firstly, don’t panic. The moment you realize you’ve been scammed, stop all communication with the scammer. We recommend blocking their account and reporting it to WhatsApp immediately.
If you have shared any personal information with them, the next step is to make sure all your accounts are secure. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication on your apps. It is also a good idea to inform your contacts about it. You can post a story explaining that your WhatsApp account was compromised. Warn them not to respond or share personal details.
If you have lost a significant amount of money, report the WhatsApp scam to your local law enforcement or cybercrime unit. We know this can be challenging if the scammer resides in a different country, but law enforcement may be able to guide you through the next steps.
It is important to learn from such experiences. Most apps, including WhatsApp, have important privacy features, like two-factor authentication and verification codes that can offer an extra layer of protection. Take some time to enable these features, and stay updated on common online scams. If you are proactive, it will become harder for scammers to target you.
Image credits: Pexels. All screenshots by Zainab Falak.
