WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool for millions of people, but its popularity also makes it an attractive target for scammers.
Also see: WhatsApp introduces new changes for parents and children in South Africa
Fraudsters may use messages, calls, fake job offers, investment opportunities or even impersonate friends and family members to convince people to hand over money, personal information or access to their accounts.
Meta says scammers often create a sense of urgency and may move victims between different platforms during a scam. WhatsApp advises users to pause, question and verify before responding to suspicious messages.
Here are some common WhatsApp scams to watch out for.
1. The “friend or family member” scam
One common tactic involves receiving a WhatsApp message from someone claiming to be a relative or friend who urgently needs money.
The scammer may say they have lost their phone, changed their number or are unable to access their bank account.
Before sending money, contact the person directly using a number you already have saved or another trusted method of communication. WhatsApp specifically recommends verifying unusual requests independently rather than relying on the message itself.
2. Verification-code scams
You may receive a six-digit WhatsApp registration code that you did not request, followed by a message from someone asking you to send the code to them.
Don’t share it.
WhatsApp says the six-digit registration code is used to activate an account and should never be shared with anyone.
Giving the code to a scammer can allow them to register your WhatsApp account on another device.
3. Fake investment opportunities
Be cautious of messages promising unusually high or guaranteed returns from investments.
Scammers may create convincing WhatsApp groups where people appear to be making money from investments or cryptocurrency. Meta has warned that some scams use promises of quick earnings before victims are asked to deposit money.
If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, take time to research it independently before sending money.
4. Fake job offers
A message promising easy money for completing simple online tasks can also be a warning sign.
Scammers may offer payment for activities such as liking videos or completing tasks, before eventually asking victims to deposit money to continue or supposedly unlock their earnings.
Meta has identified fake job and task-based schemes among scam tactics used across its platforms.
Never pay someone simply to access a job or receive promised earnings without independently verifying the opportunity.
Also see: WhatsApp introduces usernames to enhance phone number privacy
5. “Your account needs to be verified” scams
A scammer may pretend to represent WhatsApp, a bank, a company or another service and claim that your account has a security problem.
They may then ask for a verification code, password or other personal information.
Instead of following instructions in the message, contact the organisation through an official channel that you find yourself.
How to protect yourself
A few simple habits can make it harder for scammers to target you.
Turn on two-step verification
WhatsApp recommends enabling two-step verification as an additional layer of account security. The platform is also upgrading its traditional six-digit PIN system to stronger password-based protection.
Never share your verification code
Your WhatsApp registration code is private. WhatsApp explicitly says you should never share it with anyone.
Check your linked devices
Regularly review which devices are connected to your WhatsApp account. If you see a device you don’t recognise, log it out.
Don’t rush
Urgency is one of the biggest warning signs.
If someone says you must pay immediately, provide a code urgently or click a link before an opportunity disappears, stop and verify the request first.
Block and report suspicious accounts
If a WhatsApp message or account appears suspicious, you can block and report it through the app. WhatsApp provides tools for reporting problematic behaviour and blocking unwanted contacts. Remember: pause, question and verify
The safest response to a suspicious WhatsApp message is often to slow down.
WhatsApp’s guidance is simple: pause, question and verify before responding to an unusual request.
A few extra seconds of caution could prevent the loss of money, personal information or access to your account.
Also see: A guide to surviving WhatsApp groups
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