WhatsApp Scams UK: How to Spot and Avoid Them

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the UK, with tens of millions of active users. Unfortunately, that popularity makes it a prime target for scammers. From impersonation messages to fake job offers, here are the most common WhatsApp scams in the UK and how to protect yourself.

The "Hi Mum" Scam

This is one of the most widespread WhatsApp scams in the UK. You receive a message from an unknown number claiming to be your son, daughter or another close relative. They say they have lost or broken their phone and need money urgently, usually for a bill, a deposit or to replace the device.

The scammer builds emotional pressure by sounding distressed. They will ask you to transfer money to a new bank account, promising to repay you once their phone is sorted. In reality, the money goes straight to the criminal.

How to protect yourself

• Call your family member on their known number before sending any money.
• Ask a personal question only the real person would know.
• Never transfer money to a new account based solely on a text message.

OTP and Verification Code Theft

In this scam, someone contacts you on WhatsApp (often pretending to be a friend) and says they accidentally sent a verification code to your number. They ask you to forward it to them. That code is actually the one-time passcode needed to register your WhatsApp account on their device. If you share it, they take over your account.

How to protect yourself

• Never share verification codes with anyone, no matter who they claim to be.
• Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp: go to Settings, then Account, then Two-step verification.

Fake Prize and Competition Scams

You receive a message saying you have won a prize, a gift card or a holiday. To claim it, you need to click a link and enter personal details. These links often lead to phishing sites designed to steal your information or install malware on your device.

How to protect yourself

• If you did not enter a competition, you have not won one.
• Never click links in unsolicited messages.
• Legitimate companies do not distribute prizes via random WhatsApp messages.

Fake Job Offer Scams

These messages offer work-from-home opportunities with unusually high pay for simple tasks like liking social media posts or reviewing products. They may initially pay small amounts to build trust, but eventually ask you to pay an upfront fee or deposit to unlock higher-paying tasks. The money is never returned.

How to protect yourself

• Be sceptical of any unsolicited job offer, especially one with vague details.
• Legitimate employers do not ask candidates to pay to work.
• Check company names on the Companies House register and the FCA register.

WhatsApp Security Settings You Should Enable Now

Taking a few minutes to adjust your settings can significantly reduce your risk.

• Two-step verification: Adds a PIN that is required when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again.
• Privacy settings: Restrict who can see your profile photo, last seen and about info to "My Contacts" rather than "Everyone".
• Silence unknown callers: This feature automatically silences calls from numbers not in your contacts.
• Group privacy: Set group invitations to "My Contacts" so strangers cannot add you to scam groups.

How to Report WhatsApp Scams

If you receive a scam message on WhatsApp, you should report it directly within the app by opening the chat, tapping the contact name, scrolling down and selecting "Report". You should also forward suspicious texts to 7726 and report the scam to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk. Citizens Advice can provide further support on 0800 144 8848.