Have you ever received a message on WhatsApp from someone claiming to be a family member in need? Or been warned about a video that will hack your phone if you open it? If so, you may have been targeted by a WhatsApp scam, and you’re far from alone.
This guide covers the most common signs of WhatsApp scams, including family impersonation attempts, fake verification requests and so-called ‘premium’ accounts — all designed to trick you into sharing sensitive information or sending money.
We’ll also explain how to report a WhatsApp scam, what to do if you’ve already been targeted, and how to seek legal support to recover what you’ve lost.
What’s a WhatsApp Scam?
A WhatsApp scam is where a fraudster uses the platform to impersonate either WhatsApp itself (i.e. Meta) or someone you know, such as a family member, friend or colleague. Their goal is usually to get you to send money, reveal sensitive information, hand over a verification code, or sign up to a fake ‘premium’ account.
WhatsApp scams have become increasingly common. According to a BBC report, Meta deleted over 6.8 million fraudulent WhatsApp accounts in the first half of 2025 alone as part of a major crackdown on scams.
There are several types to be aware of:
Cold voice or video calls: Scammers may call pretending to be WhatsApp, asking you to pay for an upgrade or reveal account details. In more sophisticated cases, they may use AI-generated audio or video to impersonate a family member or friend. A video call may also be used to gain your trust or capture images and audio to misuse later.
WhatsApp messages: These range from family impersonation attempts (more on those below) to fake prize notifications and job offers that seem too good to be true. Whatever the angle, the aim is always the same: to get you to part with money or personal information.
Fake websites: Scam messages often include links to websites that imitate WhatsApp’s branding to steal your personal data, sometimes under the pretence of upgrading to ‘WhatsApp Gold’. This is a so-called premium account tier that does not exist. WhatsApp does not offer any paid premium tier for personal users, so any message suggesting otherwise is always a scam.
WhatsApp verification code scams (account hijacking): A scammer attempts to log into your account, triggering a genuine verification code to be sent to your phone. They then contact you, often pretending to be someone you know, and ask you to share the code. Handing it over gives them full access to your account. This is also known as WhatsApp account hijacking.
What Are The Laws on WhatsApp Scams in the UK?
WhatsApp scams are serious criminal offences under the Fraud Act 2006. They typically involve tricking victims into sharing personal information, financial details, money or account verification codes.
Some scams may also fall under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, particularly where malicious links are used to infect devices or capture login credentials. In more complex cases involving the unlawful use of stolen personal data, the Data Protection Act 2018 may also apply.
The consequences for those who commit these offences can be severe, including up to 10 years in prison, heavy fines and the confiscation of assets. However, recovering lost money can be challenging for victims, which is why many turn to fraud recovery specialists like CEL Solicitors to guide them through the process and protect their rights.
Tips For Recognising WhatsApp Scams
Knowing what to look for gives you a significant advantage. Here are the most important red flags to be aware of.
Common Signs of WhatsApp Scams
Scammers can be convincing. They often mimic WhatsApp’s own communications style or adopt a friendly, familiar tone to impersonate people you know. But there are almost always tell-tale signs if you know what to look for.
Language and tone
WhatsApp impersonations: Messages warning that your account will be suspended, or demanding urgent payment, are designed to make you panic. Look out for poor spelling and grammar, an inconsistent tone, or anything that feels off about the way the message is written.
Family and friend impersonations: Opening with “Hey Mum, it’s me, I’ve got a new number” is deliberately generic and believable. If the message is quickly followed by a request for money, treat it as a scam. Always call the person on their original number to verify before doing anything else. Pay attention to their word choices, tone and use of emojis. If something feels slightly different to how they’d normally write, trust your instincts.
The “Dad/Mum, save my new number” scam: Sometimes called the ‘new number scam’, this is one of the most widely reported WhatsApp scams in the UK. A message arrives from an unknown number claiming to be your child or a close relative, explaining they’ve lost or broken their phone. They’ll quickly follow up with a request for money, often with some urgency. Never transfer funds without verifying in person or via a known contact number.
Fake websites: Scam messages may include links to sites imitating WhatsApp, often used to lure users into ‘upgrading’ to WhatsApp Gold. Do not click on any suspicious links.
Suspicious phone numbers: If you’ve received a call from a number claiming to be WhatsApp, try searching for it online. It may already be flagged as fraudulent by other users.
Generic greetings: Messages that open with “Dear Customer” rather than your name can indicate the sender doesn’t know who you are, which is a common sign of a mass scam attempt.
The Martinelli hoax: You may receive messages warning you not to open a video called ‘Martinelli’, claiming it will hack your phone. This is itself a long-running hoax that circulates on WhatsApp. There is no such video, and if you receive this message you can safely ignore and delete it.
For more guidance, visit the WhatsApp Safety FAQ (opens in new tab).
How to Avoid Being Scammed on WhatsApp
Confirm the sender’s identity: Always verify who you’re speaking to, especially if a message feels urgent or unusual.
Never send money: Do not transfer funds through WhatsApp, even if the message appears to come from someone you know, until you’ve confirmed it’s genuinely them.
Don’t share personal information: Never give out passwords, banking details, verification codes or other sensitive data over WhatsApp.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for someone to access your account even if they have your verification code.
Keep your app and device updated: Regular updates ensure you have the latest security protections against known vulnerabilities.
Install anti-virus software: Security software can help detect malicious links or files sent through WhatsApp.
Report suspicious messages: If something doesn’t feel right, report it both through WhatsApp and to the relevant authorities (see below).
Reporting WhatsApp Scams
If you think you’ve been targeted by a WhatsApp scam, reporting it is one of the most important steps you can take.
Within WhatsApp: Press and hold the message, tap ‘Report’ and follow the on-screen steps. Alternatively, open the chat, tap the contact name and scroll down to find ‘Report’. This alerts Meta to potentially harmful activity and may result in the number being restricted or blacklisted, helping to protect other users.
To the NCSC: Forward suspicious emails or links to [email protected], where the National Cyber Security Centre can analyse and act on them. Please note this address is specifically for suspicious emails and websites, not WhatsApp messages directly.
For scam texts and WhatsApp messages: Forward the message to 7726, which is Ofcom’s free spam reporting service. This works across all UK mobile networks and helps flag the number for investigation.
To Action Fraud: If you’re based in England or Wales, report the scam at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. You’ll receive a police crime reference number, which may support any future legal claim or recovery efforts.
To the police: For further concerns, contact the non-emergency police line on 101.
To the UK Government: GOV.UK also provides guidance on reporting scams and phishing attempts, including misleading advertisements and online fraud.
It’s also worth letting friends and family know about the scam so they can be on their guard if the same fraudster tries to target them.
I’ve Fallen Victim To a WhatsApp Scam. What Do I Do?
First of all, please know that this can happen to anyone. Scammers are sophisticated and deliberately target people at vulnerable moments. If you’ve been affected, here’s what to do next.
1. Document the Scam
Start by gathering as much evidence as possible. This includes screenshots of messages, calls or video chats, the phone numbers involved, any links or shared files, and details of what personal or financial information you shared and when. The more evidence you have, the stronger your position will be for any future claim or investigation.
2. Secure Your Accounts
Review any accounts that may have been compromised and look for unfamiliar messages or unusual activity. If you’ve shared any banking or financial details, contact your bank immediately. They can add security measures, monitor for unusual transactions and issue a replacement card if necessary.
3. Report the Scam
Before pursuing a legal claim, you’ll need to have reported the scam to the relevant parties.
Report it directly to Meta by opening the chat with the scammer and tapping ‘Report’, or by going to the chat info and scrolling down to find ‘Report [contact]’ or ‘Report [phone number]’.
Forward any suspicious messages to 7726 and report the incident to Action Fraud. If a website or email was involved, you can also contact the NCSC at [email protected].
If you’ve shared financial details with a scammer, notify your bank straight away to limit any potential losses.
How To Make a WhatsApp Scam Claim
Once the scam has been documented, reported, and your accounts are secure, you can consider pursuing compensation for your losses.
WhatsApp scam claims typically follow two paths.
Civil claims: If you’ve lost money due to a WhatsApp scam, you may be able to bring a civil claim to recover those funds. When successful, this results in financial compensation for your losses.
Criminal investigations: In cases involving significant sums or organised fraud, the police or cybercrime units may launch their own investigation. While this can help stop the scammers and protect others, it doesn’t usually lead to direct compensation for victims.
It’s also important to understand that many WhatsApp scammers operate through anonymous accounts, fake profiles and international numbers, often changing their details constantly. This can make them difficult to trace, and legal action can be complex, so managing expectations from the outset is important. Having specialist legal support in your corner makes a real difference.
Choose CEL Solicitors for WhatsApp Scam Claims
At CEL Solicitors, we understand how distressing it is to fall victim to a WhatsApp scam. The financial loss is hard enough, but the emotional impact can be just as overwhelming. That’s why our team is here to support you through every stage of the process with clarity, compassion and real expertise.
Our fraud and scam recovery specialists have a proven track record of helping clients reclaim millions in lost funds.
We work on a No-Win, No-Fee basis, so there are no upfront costs and no financial risk to you. You’ll also receive a completely free initial consultation. We’ll listen carefully, review your situation and give you straightforward advice on your next steps.
You are not alone. Call us today on 0151 909 8212 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We listen, we care, we win.
