Help and guidance

Guides: recognising WhatsApp scams

A calm moment to agree on steps is better than deciding under pressure. Start with the topic that matches your question.

• WhatsApp new number scam: what can you do?

  “Hi mum, new number” followed by a money request? Spot the signs, call the old number and do not pay when in doubt. Already paid? Contact your bank.

• Checking a suspicious payment request: pause first

  Unsure about a money request on WhatsApp, text or email? Call your contact yourself and check the exact question. No payment guarantee; do not pay when in doubt.

• Helping your parents with WhatsApp scams

  Agree on steps for money requests, new numbers and bank codes. Call the old known number and do not transfer money when in doubt.

• What to do after a WhatsApp scam?

  Already sent money after a suspicious WhatsApp message? Call your bank immediately, keep evidence and report the scam. Recovery is not guaranteed.

• Recognisable scam examples

  Fictional examples of new number scams, urgent payments and someone posing as a child, with practical next steps.