WhatsApp has become an essential social app for daily communication, but it is also a hotspot for scams. Scammers use a variety of tactics to steal money, personal information, and even access your account.
In this guide, we’ll analyze the latest WhatsApp scams, how they work, and the best ways to protect your WhatsApp account from fraud.
8 Latest WhatsApp Scams
Pretending family member scams
One of the most common Whatsapp scams is when the scammer pretends to be a family member of the victim, usually a son or daughter, claiming that they have a new phone number and need urgent help. They may say their phone is broken or they can’t access their banking app. There is a set process for how this type of scam works:
You receive a message from an unknown number saying “Hi, Mom” or “Hi, Dad”. The scammer pretends to be your child and claims they have a new number. They say they have an emergency and need money immediately. If you send money, it goes directly to the scammer and cannot be recovered.
When encountering this type of scam, be cautious and never send money until you are sure who the person is. You can also contact your family through their old number or other trusted methods.
WhatsApp dating scams
Don’t trust people on dating apps. Scammers contact you on dating apps and ask you to continue chatting on WhatsApp. Once on WhatsApp, they try to win your trust by expressing their love for you. Finally, they ask for money, personal information, or private photos. Some scams involve fake WhatsApp dating groups that direct you to phishing websites. When you click on these links, your IP address, personal information, and other information can be stolen.
How to avoid it? If someone you just met online expresses love to you or asks you for money, be wary. Don’t send money or private messages, and avoid clicking on unknown links.
If they refuse to provide information that identifies them, such as social media accounts or refuse video calls, they may be a scammer. The maturity of artificial intelligence technology is also making scams more difficult to detect, so stay vigilant and protect yourself from WhatsApp scams!
Free movie sites and apps scams
Movie Apps like Netflix and Hulu require a membership to watch full content. Scammers create fake WhatsApp and Telegram movie groups. Once you join, the WhatsApp group message contains a link to a “free” movie site or app, promising unlimited access to the latest movies and TV shows. Your personal information, credit card details, etc., may be stolen when you click the link.
Some fake websites trick you into downloading apps secretly installing malware on your device.
Do not download apps or visit websites from unverified sources. Use a reliable antivirus app. It can help detect and remove malware from your device.
Read more: 10 Best Free Movie Streaming Sites
If you want to browse the internet safely and protect your personal information, use LightningX VPN. It can hide your IP address and prevent hackers and scam sites from tracking your online activities. You can also use it to access movies and websites that are geo-restricted. Download now to get a free trial.
WhatsApp verification code scam
One of the most common WhatsApp scams tricks users into revealing their verification code. You receive a WhatsApp verification code even if you didn’t request it. A scammer pretending to be a friend or family member will then message you, claiming that they mistakenly sent the verification code to your number. They ask you to share the 6-digit code, and if you share it, they will be able to access your WhatsApp account.
To prevent unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account, never share your verification code. WhatsApp never asks for one. If you receive a suspicious message, do not reply and report the behavior to WhatsApp officials.
WhatsApp cryptocurrency scams
As cryptocurrencies become more popular among investors, cryptocurrency scams are becoming more common on WhatsApp. Scammers claim to be investment experts on WhatsApp and introduce you to “excellent investment opportunities”. They will encourage you to deposit money on fake cryptocurrency trading platforms. After the deposit, the victim will not be able to contact the scammer.
To avoid such scams, be cautious about joining WhatsApp groups that promote cryptocurrency schemes. Never send money to strangers, as legitimate investments do not require deposits into personal accounts.
WhatsApp gold scam
The WhatsApp Gold scam first appeared in 2016 and involves scammers sending users a link via unsolicited messages claiming to be an upgraded version of the WhatsApp app with additional features and privileges. In reality, this so-called “WhatsApp Gold” does not exist. The link will either download malware to your device or direct you to a fake website that mimics the official WhatsApp page.
To avoid the WhatsApp Gold scam, ignore any upgrade offers. Only download WhatsApp from the official store.
WhatsApp two-factor authentication scam
WhatsApp’s two-factor authentication (2FA) is an important security feature. However, scammers exploit this mechanism to conduct various fraudulent activities. The scammer first tries to log into your WhatsApp account, triggering a notification that a login attempt has been made. Then, they message you, pretending to be a friend or WhatsApp support, claiming that they accidentally sent the 2FA code to your number and asking you to forward it to them. If you share the code, they will have full control over your WhatsApp account.
Once in your account, the scammer can impersonate you, send messages to your contacts, and even ask your friends or family for money. So never share your 2FA code with anyone, even family members.
WhatsApp lottery and giveaway scams
Lottery and giveaway scams are classic tactics scammers use to steal personal information and money. You receive a WhatsApp message claiming you have won a lottery, giveaway, or special prize. The message asks you to click a link to claim your prize. The link directs you to a fake website that asks for personal information, such as your bank details.
Sometimes, the scammer will ask you to pay a small “handling fee” to claim your prize. Once you pay, the scammer disappears, and you get nothing.
If you did not enter the draw, you did not win. Ignore unexpected prize notifications. Legitimate lotteries will not ask for bank details via WhatsApp. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, which may lead to phishing sites or malware.
Types of WhatsApp Scams
WhatsApp scams come in many forms, but the goal is to trick users into handing over money, personal information, or access to their accounts. Here are the most common types of scams to watch out for:
- Impersonation scams
- Impersonating a family member or friend: Scammers use a new phone number to pretend to be a loved one or friend and claim they need urgent financial help.
- WhatsApp dating scams: Scammers use dating apps to build trust and then ask for money or private information.
- Account takeover scams
- Verification code scams: You suddenly receive a WhatsApp verification code and then receive a message from someone pretending to be a friend asking for your verification code.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA) scams: Scammers claim they accidentally sent a 2FA code to your number and ask you to forward it, giving them full control of your account.
- Financial and investment scams
- Crypto investment scams: Scammers pretend to be investment experts and promise high returns to convince victims to deposit money into fake platforms.
- Lottery and giveaway scams: You get a message saying you’ve won a prize, but you must pay a fee or share personal information to claim it. Spoiler: There’s no prize.
- Malware and phishing scams
- WhatsApp Gold scam: You get a message offering an “exclusive” WhatsApp Gold upgrade with special features. The link installs malware.
- Free movie sites and app scams: Fake WhatsApp groups promote “free” streaming sites, but the links lead you to phishing pages or download malware.
Read more: How to Get Rid of Malware [Beginner-friendly Guide]
How to Avoid WhatsApp Scams?
WhatsApp scams are everywhere, and scammers always look for new ways to trick people. But we have a plan for you on how to avoid such scams:
- Beware of unknown messages
- If you receive a message from an unknown number, don’t reply immediately.
- Don’t click on suspicious links, even if they look genuine.
- If someone claims to be a family member or friend, confirm it through other channels.
- Don’t share personal information
WhatsApp, banks, and other companies will never ask for your password, bank details, or verification codes. Avoid sharing too much personal information on your WhatsApp profile.
- Protect your WhatsApp account
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security.
- Change your voicemail PIN: Hackers can use voicemail to hijack your account.
- Use strong passwords: Password managers can help keep your passwords safe.
- Use official platforms
Whether it’s app updates or browsing the web, search for official platforms through Google. Don’t trust any free websites and app downloads shared in WhatsApp groups.
- Report a scam
If you suspect a scam, open the chat, tap the contact’s name, and select “Report and block.” You can also report a scam in WhatsApp settings under “Help” > “Contact us.”
FAQ about WhatsApp Scams
1. Is WhatsApp safe?
WhatsApp is generally safe because it uses end-to-end encryption to protect your messages from intercepting. However, scammers still try to trick users through phishing, impersonation, and fraud. To stay safe, never share your verification codes, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
2. What should I do if I receive a suspicious message on WhatsApp?
If your account has been hacked, follow these steps:
- Log in again using your phone number and request an OTP.
- Contact WhatsApp support to recover your account if you cannot log in.
- Inform your family and friends to be wary of messages from hacked accounts.
- When you regain access, enable two-step verification.
3. Can I recover money lost to a WhatsApp scam?
Not necessarily. If you paid through a bank or online service like PayPal, contact their fraud department immediately to report the transaction.
In some cases, they may be able to reverse the unauthorized payment. However, if you sent the money via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, it can be difficult to recover.
