This is for you if… you have received a WhatsApp message that feels urgent, odd, emotional or too good to be true, and you are not sure whether to trust it.
A little while ago, I was helping someone in Mildenhall who had a message from a “family member” saying their phone had broken and this was their new number. It sounded believable at first. Then came the request for money. That is the moment to slow everything down.
WhatsApp is brilliant for keeping in touch, which is exactly why scammers use it. They know a message from “family” or a familiar-looking name can make people act quickly.
The Biggest Warning Sign
If the message tries to rush you, treat it as suspicious.
Scam messages often say things like:
This is my new number
Please do not call me
I need this today
Send money now
Click this link before it expires
You have won a prize
Common WhatsApp Scams
The new number message: someone pretends to be a son, daughter, grandchild or friend.
The urgent payment: they ask for a bank transfer, bill payment or gift card.
The fake delivery: they send a link for a parcel fee or address check.
The prize message: they promise a voucher, giveaway or reward.
The account warning: they say an account will be blocked unless you act.
Do Not Use the Link in the Message
If a message asks you to log in, pay, verify or claim something, do not use the link inside the message.
Open the real app or website yourself. If it mentions your bank, use your banking app or the number on your card. If it mentions a delivery, type the delivery company website yourself.
If It Says It Is From Family
Call the old number you already have saved.
Ask another family member if they know about it.
Ask a question only the real person would know.
Do not send money until you have spoken to them properly.
If they say they cannot talk on the phone, be more cautious. Scammers often avoid calls because you would recognise the voice.
What If You Already Replied?
Do not panic. Replying does not automatically mean your phone is hacked. Stop the conversation, block and report the number in WhatsApp. If you sent money, contact your bank immediately. If you shared a password, change it through the real app or website.
A Simple Rule to Remember
Pause, check another way, then decide.
You do not need to prove it is fake straight away. You only need to avoid being rushed into clicking, paying or sharing private information.
If You Need Help Checking
I can help you look at the message calmly, check it safely, report it if needed, and understand what to do next.
If you live in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire or Suffolk and would like ongoing help and peace of mind with WhatsApp safety, phones, tablets, online accounts and everyday tech confidence, take a look at the Confident With Tech Membership. If you only need one-off help with a specific problem, you can book a friendly one-to-one visit.
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