){kind=icon}
WhatsApp scams are becoming alarmingly common, with Meta removing almost seven million scam-related accounts from the platform in the first half of 2025 alone. As scammers have grown more sophisticated, their tactics now range from impersonation and job scams to romance schemes and fake customer support calls.
But despite the number of scams out there, you can stay safe on WhatsApp by learning the red flags to look out for and following a few WhatsApp cyber security best practices. In this guide, we’ll share some of the latest WhatsApp scam tactics, to help you stay protected on the world’s most popular messaging platform.
The rise of scams on WhatsApp
With over 3 billion monthly users in more than 180 countries, WhatsApp has unfortunately become a hotspot for scammers. The app’s design, built around personal conversations with trusted contacts, makes users naturally less cautious, creating the perfect conditions for deception.
And these aren’t small-time operators: many of the millions of accounts removed by Meta were linked to organized criminal networks running large-scale scam operations. It’s estimated that these are collectively responsible for up to $70 billion in losses each year.
Don’t fall victim to WhatsApp scams
Get protected against WhatsApp scams with F‑Secure
Can you trust a WhatsApp scammer list?
You may have seen WhatsApp scammer lists being shared on social media or on WhatsApp itself, but the truth is that they are an unreliable cyber security measure. With the rate that new scams are being created, continually maintaining an accurate list of WhatsApp scammer numbers is almost impossible — so any lists you find online are unlikely to be up-to-date.
Instead, look out for common red flags, including:
Messages that create urgency or emotional pressure
Pressure to move the conversation to WhatsApp quickly
Requests to share your screen
Unknown numbers claiming to be someone you know
Requests for WhatsApp verification codes
Unexpected links or attachments
Offers or opportunities that seem too good to be true
In the next section, we’ll break down these giveaways in more detail and outline the most common WhatsApp scams you’re likely to encounter, so you’ll know exactly what to watch for.
Common WhatsApp scams
WhatsApp screen sharing scams
One of WhatsApp’s most popular features is its reliable, free video calling, which allows families and friends around the world to connect easily, join or leave calls seamlessly, and share real-time video — including screen sharing.
Unfortunately, scammers have also taken notice of this feature, using it to trick users into sharing their screens while entering sensitive information such as usernames and passwords.
How it works
The user receives a phone call, seemingly from a bank or other trusted institution, about an issue that needs their urgent attention.
Under the guise of a tutorial to resolve the issue, the caller asks the user to switch to a WhatsApp video call and share their screen.
As the user navigates to the app and logs in, the caller is able to take note of the data on their screen and use it to steal from them.
How to prevent it
Remember that banks and other similar institutions always have access to your accounts and data and will never ask you to show them how you access it.
Never share your phone screen with anyone who isn’t a trusted friend or family member.
WhatsApp job scams
This WhatsApp scam has been around for a while, but it’s just as popular as ever, with the FTC reporting that in the first half of 2024 alone they accounted for losses of up to $220 million. Taking advantage of uncertain economic times and human nature, scammers send fake WhatsApp messages to coax users into sharing their data or sending money with the promise of higher returns later.
How it works
The initial contact for this scam can come from anywhere (email, telephone, SMS, and even WhatsApp itself), but the scammer will try to get the user onto WhatsApp as soon as possible to maintain an open line to them.
They advertise simple remote tasks that appear to pay well for little effort.
After a few “test” tasks — and sometimes a small, believable payment — the scammer asks for a social security number, a cash deposit, or both to unlock higher-paying work.
Any money sent is lost, and providing an SSN can lead to identity theft and long-term financial and legal problems for the victim.
How to prevent it
Even in the age of Big Data and AI, no legitimate company operates like that. Unsolicited contacts and job offers promising easy money are major red flags.
If you receive one, don’t engage — delete the message immediately and block the contact to stay protected.
WhatsApp dating and romance scams
Dating and social apps have become a normal part of modern relationships — and scammers have taken full advantage. Using tactics known as “pig-butchering” and “catfishing,” they target people looking for genuine connections, often starting on dating platforms before moving conversations to WhatsApp.
The promise of love or companionship can make even the most cautious person let their guard down, which is exactly what these criminals rely on.
How it works
The scam typically begins on a dating or social media app, but the scammer quickly pushes to continue chatting on WhatsApp, using excuses like “my subscription is about to expire” or “WhatsApp is easier.”
They shower their target with affection and constant attention, creating a false sense of intimacy and trust — a tactic often referred to as love-bombing.
Once emotional attachment is established, they introduce a fabricated crisis that requires money — rent, medical bills, travel expenses — while avoiding any attempts to meet in person or even video chat.
How to prevent it
Stay on the platform where you first met — genuine people won’t insist on moving the conversation elsewhere.
Verify their identity early, ideally through a quick video call.
Never send money to anyone you haven’t met face-to-face, regardless of how convincing their story may be.
WhatsApp impersonation scams
Who’s more trustworthy than your parents or closest friends? Unfortunately, on WhatsApp, it’s not always clear who’s really behind a message. Impersonation scams have become one of the most common forms of fraud on the platform, as cyber criminals exploit the trust people place in familiar names and faces.
With WhatsApp now serving as the main communication channel for billions of users worldwide, messages pretending to be from loved ones are spreading faster than ever. By creating a sense of urgency and emotional pressure, scammers continue to use this tactic to trick victims into sending money or personal information — making impersonation scams one of the biggest ongoing threats on WhatsApp today.
How it works
Look out for two big red flags: an unknown number and an urgent request.
Someone claiming to be a trusted friend or family member will message you from a new number. They might say something like they have a new phone, they have been robbed, or they are using a friend’s phone.
They’ll then describe an emergency — such as needing money for rent, groceries, or travel — or ask you to share a WhatsApp verification code. Sending money means it’s gone for good, while sharing the code allows them to hijack your account.
How to prevent it
It should be easy to verify the identity of a close friend or relative. Check on them via another means of communication to see if they really need help.
Never blindly trust an unknown WhatsApp contact, no matter who they claim to be.
WhatsApp can be a great way to stay in touch with your friends, family and colleagues, but it’s always important to stay alert to the threat of WhatsApp scam messages. Remember, don’t rely on those WhatsApp scammer lists as they’ll be out of date before they’re even published. For more reliable information on how to stay safe on WhatsApp, check out our article on WhatsApp security best practices.
)