WhatsApp Scams

9th March 2023

One of the most common scams of recent months involves scammers posing as someone's family member or friend on WhatsApp and asking them to transfer money to pay an urgent bill or invoice.

One man recently received a message which appeared to be from his daughter, saying that she had damaged her phone and had a new number. She asked him to transfer almost £3,000 to pay an unexpected 'private doctor's bill'.

The man was at work and agreed to send the money as the message was so urgent - it was only when he spoke to his daughter later that evening that he realised she hadn't sent the message.

How to Avoid
WhatsApp advise that you should STOP, THINK and CALL if you receive an unexpected message asking you to transfer money or purchase gift cards.

Verify that it really is your friend or family member by calling them directly, or asking them to share a voice note. Only consider the request once you are certain that it is from someone you know and trust.

We recently published a ScamShare PDF focused on WhatsApp scams, with examples of scam messages and information on how to avoid them: www.tsscot.co.uk/Spotlight-WhatsApp.pdf

Find out More
Which? advice: conversation.which.co.uk/scams/whatsapp-impersonation-family-friends-new-number
WhatsApp advice on avoiding scams: faq.whatsapp.com/general/security-and-privacy/about-spam-and-unwanted-messages
Action Fraud advice: www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/friendinneed