# The 10 Latest WhatsApp Scams (How To Identify a Scammer)

February 6, 2025

By [Alina Benny](/content/author/alina-benny/index.html)

Aura Cybersecurity Editor

Alina Benny leads organic content at Aura, covering the gamut of security topics for the company, including online safety, identity theft, and fraud. Before Aura, she oversaw part of Nextiva’s marketing efforts. She holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from the Cochin University of Science and Technology and has nearly a decade in content marketing. Twitter: @heyabenny

Reviewed by [Jory MacKay](/content/author/jory-mackay/index.html)

Aura Cybersecurity Editor

Jory MacKay is a writer and award-winning editor with over a decade of experience for online and print publications. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Victoria and a passion for helping people identify and avoid fraud.

If you’d rather text than talk, how likely are you to fall for these WhatsApp scams? Here are 10 scams to know and how you can avoid them.

## How To Spot a Scammer on WhatsApp
Fraudsters use WhatsApp like any other messaging platform — often using fake or spoofed numbers to trick you into sending them money, investing in fraudulent crypto scams, or sending personal data that can be used to steal your identity.

Here are the red flags of a WhatsApp scammer you should be on the lookout for:

- **Unexpected messages.** Scam messages will always come out of the blue from unknown contacts (or people claiming to know you).
- **A sense of urgency.** Scammers will try to pressure you into acting without thinking.
- **Requests for money.** If anyone asks you to transfer them money or send gift cards, it’s a scam.
- **Job offers.** Fraudsters will try to entice victims with promises of well-paying remote jobs.
- **Attractive profile images.** Many scammers will steal photos from online models.
- **Investment opportunities.** Beware of claims of secret investment opportunities.
- **Suspicious links.** Never click on links from spam messages.
- **They won’t answer when you call.** If you try to call the WhatsApp number, scammers likely won’t answer.

If you experience _any_ of these telltale signs of a scammer, break off contact and block and report the number.

## The 10 Most Common WhatsApp Scams You Need To Know

### 1. Mom and Dad impersonation scams
Fraudsters impersonate a victim's child or family member and ask for money for an emergency. Always verify by calling the family member directly.

### 2. Friend’s asking for two-step verification codes
Fraudsters pose as friends in need of help but want your WhatsApp verification code or money. Confirm their identity via video call or direct contact.

### 3. Wrong number scams
These start with someone sending an innocuous message meant for someone else. Ignore and block such senders.

### 4. WhatsApp Gold
You receive an invitation to upgrade to a nonexistent "WhatsApp Gold" edition. Delete such messages immediately.

### 5. Bogus gift cards and surveys
Messages asking for survey completion or gift card claims are scams. Verify before engaging with any unexpected company correspondence.

### 6. Crypto romance scams
Scammers originate from dating apps and ask victims to invest in cryptocurrency after building trust. Verify identities before engaging.

### 7. Lottery scams
Scammers impersonate lottery representatives promising cash prizes. Always be skeptical of such communications.

### 8. QR code scams
You may be told you've won a contest, but need to pay to receive your prize. Don't scan unverified QR codes.

### 9. WhatsApp tech support scams
Imposters claiming to be WhatsApp support will ask for personal information. Verify the contact's identity through official channels.

### 10. Call forwarding scams
A one-time password verification code is sent via voice call to activate call forwarding to a scammer's number. Hang up and do not engage with unknown callers.

## How To Stay Safe on WhatsApp
- **Set up two-factor authentication (2FA).** This adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account.
- **Create a family and friends “password”.** This can help confirm identity in case of sensitive discussions.
- **Call to confirm.** Whenever someone claims to be in trouble, verify by calling them.
- **Change the default PIN on your voicemail.** This protects your voicemail from unauthorized access.
- **Report scams to WhatsApp.** This helps in shutting down similar scams in the future.