Common WhatsApp Scams and How To Avoid Them in 2024

WhatsApp is a messaging app that enables users to message and voice call other WhatsApp users. Many people from all over the world use WhatsApp to communicate. This has made it a common platform for scammers to target people. Some of the most common scams on WhatsApp include an invitation to “WhatsApp Gold,” impersonation scams, WhatsApp tech support scams, as well as charity and romance scams. If you’re a WhatsApp user, it’s important to be aware of the scams currently going around so you can keep yourself, your family and your friends protected. 

Continue reading to learn the most common WhatsApp scams targeting users and how to avoid falling victim to them.

1. You’ve been invited to use “WhatsApp Gold” scam

In a WhatsApp Gold scam, you’ll receive an unsolicited message from an unknown sender claiming that you’ve been invited to use WhatsApp Gold. They will claim it is an upgraded app with new features. It’s important to acknowledge that this “upgraded app” doesn’t exist, so anyone claiming to invite you to it is a scammer. The message will contain a link, however, clicking on the link provided will take you to a spoofed website that has been designed to steal your private information or immediately infect your device with malware. 

2. Impersonation scams

An impersonation scam is when scammers pretend to be someone you know, such as a family member or friend, in an attempt to get you to follow their instructions. When scammers are carrying out an impersonation scam, they’ll make up a story trying to convince you to act fast without thinking. For example, they may pretend that they’re a family member in an emergency and ask you to send them money right away to help them. 

3. WhatsApp tech support scams

Scammers often engage in WhatsApp tech support fraud by posing as legitimate support personnel. The scammer will message you and ask you to verify your identity by providing them with a verification code you received through a message. You must never provide anyone with a verification code you receive through text message or email because this code is used to give that person access to your account. In addition to asking for a verification code, the scammer may even ask for additional sensitive information like your credit card number. 

4. “You’ve won a prize” scam

In a “you’ve won a prize” scam, you’ll receive an unsolicited message claiming that you’ve won a prize such as a trip or $200 gift card. Usually, the message will say that in order to claim your prize, you need to click on the link they’ve provided in the message. Clicking this link will either take you to a spoofed website where you’re prompted to enter personal information or immediately download malware on your device. If you ever receive this type of message on any platform, it’s most likely a scam, especially if you haven’t entered a giveaway. 

5. Charity scams

Another common scam on WhatsApp is a charity scam. In this scam, scammers pose as a charity in an attempt to convince you to send them money. While you may be convinced to send money to someone claiming to be from a charity, it’s very unlikely that a charity will randomly message you on WhatsApp for donations. Even if the scammer tries to guilt you into donating, it’s best to never send money to someone you don’t know. 

6. Romance scams

Romance scams on WhatsApp are a more advanced type of scam that prey on your emotions. In a romance scam, the scammer builds a romantic relationship with you over a few days, months or even years, in an attempt to gain your trust. Eventually, the scammer will begin to ask you for money or for you to share your personal information. While you may feel as though you trust the person, never send money or reveal sensitive information to anyone if you don’t know their true intentions and have never met them in person. 

How to avoid falling victim to WhatsApp scams

Here are a few tips to avoid falling victim to common WhatsApp scams. 

Strengthen your WhatsApp account’s security

Just like any of your other online accounts, it’s important to strengthen your WhatsApp account’s security. While WhatsApp doesn’t require a password to log in, it has added a new feature to enable passkeys to strengthen your account’s security. With passkeys enabled, you’ll have to verify your identity the same way you log in to your device before you’re able to access your WhatsApp account. Here’s how to enable passkeys on your WhatsApp account.

Don’t reply to messages from unknown numbers

Another way to avoid falling victim to WhatsApp scams is by never replying to messages from unknown numbers. If you do get a message claiming to be a family member, contact them through another form of communication. Or if you want to keep your entire family protected from online scams, come up with a safe word that all of you can use in case one of you is in an actual emergency. This will help you quickly identify scammers claiming to be family members.

Never click on suspicious links or attachments included in messages

As a cybersecurity best practice, it’s best to never click on links or attachments if you’re unsure whether they’re safe. This doesn’t just apply to messages you receive through WhatsApp but also to messages you receive through social media, texts, emails and other messaging platforms.

Don’t send money to strangers asking for it

If you receive an unsolicited message urging you to pay for something or make a donation, don’t send the money. It’s more likely than not a scam that will cause you to lose money. Not to mention, if it is a scam and you send the money, scammers will target you again since they now know they can trick you. 

Stay protected against WhatsApp scams

WhatsApp scams can place you at risk of having your information and money stolen if you don’t know how to identify them. However, taking steps to protect your WhatsApp account with a passkey and learning common scams can make all the difference in keeping yourself protected against scammers.