--- title: "WhatsApp scams: how to spot them and stay safe | TapSafely" url: https://tapsafely.com/scams/whatsapp-scams source: TapSafely description: "Is that WhatsApp message real? The warning signs, WhatsApp's real websites, how to check safely and where to report a fake." --- [Home](https://tapsafely.com/)/[Scam guides](https://tapsafely.com/scams/)/[Brand scams](https://tapsafely.com/scams/brands)/ WhatsApp # WhatsApp scams: how to spot them and stay safe Scammers copy WhatsApp because millions of people use it. Here's how to tell a fake WhatsApp message from a real one, and what to do if you already clicked. By the TapSafely editorial team · Updated 16 September 2026 ## In short WhatsApp says the app is free and you never have to pay to use it, and warns against sharing card or bank details, your birth date or passwords in chats. It advises setting a two-step verification PIN and never sharing it with anyone. **Most common fake:** Messages from a new number pretending to be a friend or family member who needs money. **Safest check:** If a contact claims to be someone you know, call them on the number you already have or ask a question only they would know. Example · fake WhatsApp message · Illustrative, links disabled Hi Mum, this is my new number, my phone broke. Can you pay this bill for me today? I will pay you back tomorrow: quick-bill-pay[.]link/inv An example fake WhatsApp message with the warning signs highlighted. ## What WhatsApp says WhatsApp says the app is free and you never have to pay to use it, and warns against sharing card or bank details, your birth date or passwords in chats. It advises setting a two-step verification PIN and never sharing it with anyone. Source: [WhatsApp](https://faq.whatsapp.com/2286952358121083) ## Common fake WhatsApp messages - Messages from a new number pretending to be a friend or family member who needs money - Job offers promising high pay for simple work from home - Investment offers promising low risk and high returns - Messages asking you to tap a link, activate a new feature or download an app - Claims that you must pay to keep using WhatsApp ## WhatsApp's real web addresses Genuine WhatsApp links and emails use these domains. Look at the part just before the first single slash: **whatsapp.com** is real, but **whatsapp-support-center.com** or **whatsapp.com.account-check.top** are not. - **whatsapp.com** Scammers can also hide a fake link behind real-looking text. [Learn how to read a web address](https://tapsafely.com/scams/phishing-links). ## How to check a WhatsApp message safely 1. If a contact claims to be someone you know, call them on the number you already have or ask a question only they would know 2. Make a voice or video call to confirm who you are talking to 3. Do not tap links, share details or forward messages from contacts you are unsure about ## How to report a fake WhatsApp message - Report the message or contact inside WhatsApp, then block the sender and delete the message. WhatsApp does not tell the sender you reported them. [Official details on whatsapp.com](https://www.whatsapp.com/security) Also report it to the official fraud service in your country. [See the worldwide list](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed#where-to-report). ## If you clicked, paid or shared details ### Act quickly. It makes a difference. 1. If you entered card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card, and ask them to block the card. 2. If you entered a password, change it on the real WhatsApp website or app and turn on two-step verification. 3. Expect follow-up calls or messages pretending to help. Never share one-time codes or move money to a "safe account". 4. Report the scam, then delete the message. More help: [The “Hi Mum, this is my new number” scam](https://tapsafely.com/scams/hi-mum-new-number-scam) and [what to do after a scam](https://tapsafely.com/been-scammed). ## Questions people ask Does WhatsApp send messages asking for payment or personal details? WhatsApp says the app is free and you never have to pay to use it, and warns against sharing card or bank details, your birth date or passwords in chats. It advises setting a two-step verification PIN and never sharing it with anyone. How can I check if a WhatsApp message is real? If a contact claims to be someone you know, call them on the number you already have or ask a question only they would know. Make a voice or video call to confirm who you are talking to. Do not tap links, share details or forward messages from contacts you are unsure about. How do I report a fake WhatsApp message? Report the message or contact inside WhatsApp, then block the sender and delete the message. WhatsApp does not tell the sender you reported them. I clicked a link in a fake WhatsApp message. What should I do? Don't enter anything else. If you typed card or bank details, call your bank now using the number on your card. If you entered a password, change it on the real website and turn on two-step verification. Then report the message and delete it. ## Official sources and further reading We check our pages against official advice from the organisations themselves and from government agencies. - [About suspicious messages and scams](https://faq.whatsapp.com/2286952358121083) (WhatsApp) - [WhatsApp Security](https://www.whatsapp.com/security) (WhatsApp) - [New WhatsApp Tools and Tips to Beat Messaging Scams](https://about.fb.com/news/2025/08/new-whatsapp-tools-tips-beat-messaging-scams/) (Meta) ### Got a message like this? Paste the message or link Check it free ### Still unsure? Describe what happened and our AI assistant will help, in any language. Ask TapSafely ### Seen this scam? Your report helps warn people in your area. [Report it](https://tapsafely.com/report) ### Free check tools - [Link checker](https://tapsafely.com/link-checker) - [QR code checker](https://tapsafely.com/qr-code-checker) - [Screenshot checker](https://tapsafely.com/screenshot-scam-checker) - [Scam glossary](https://tapsafely.com/scam-glossary) ## Related [Guide ### The “Hi Mum, this is my new number” scam A message from a new number says it's your child and asks for money. 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