Skip to main content

    WhatsApp Scams

    Common tricks. Stay safe.

    "Mom, this is my new number"

    • Most common WhatsApp scam.
    • Pretends to be your child.
    • "Lost my phone, new number."
    • Asks for money urgently.
    • NEVER send money.
    • Call old number first.

    Verification scam

    • "Send me the 6-digit code I just texted."
    • NEVER share verification codes.
    • That code = WhatsApp registration.
    • If shared = they take over your account.
    • WhatsApp itself never asks for codes.
    • Block + report sender.

    Investment / crypto scams

    • "Insider tip — buy this stock".
    • Group chats with fake testimonials.
    • "You can earn $5,000 in 30 days."
    • Always crypto / forex / stocks.
    • "Trading platform" takes money + disappears.
    • NEVER respond.

    Fake delivery

    • "Package delivery — click for details."
    • Link goes to phishing site.
    • Steals login or credit card.
    • FedEx / UPS / USPS don't WhatsApp.
    • Real delivery = email or SMS direct.
    • Verify on official site.

    Job offer scams

    • "Earn $500/day from home."
    • Always too good to be true.
    • "Just need credit card for setup."
    • Or "send personal info to apply."
    • Real jobs don't recruit on WhatsApp.
    • Block + report.

    Block + report

    • Open chat with sender.
    • Tap their name at top.
    • Scroll down, "Block".
    • "Report contact" sends to WhatsApp.
    • Don't reply first.
    • Tell others in family group.

    Senior protection

    Set 2FA on WhatsApp: Settings → Account → Two-step verification → Enable. Choose 6-digit PIN. Add email recovery. Stops account takeover. Don't answer calls / messages from unknown numbers. Family code word for emergencies. WhatsApp scams target seniors most. Vigilance = protection.