Phishing8 min readPublished 20 July 2026 · Updated 21 September 2026
WhatsApp Scams in the UK: The Complete Guide
From family impersonation to crypto investment fraud, this guide covers common WhatsApp scam patterns and safer ways to verify an unexpected request.
A message beginning “Hi, I’ve lost my phone” can feel trustworthy because it uses a familiar relationship and an urgent problem. Verify the person through a known number before sending money, forwarding a code, or moving the conversation to a new account.
The 'Hi Mum' / 'Hi Dad' Scam
A common family-impersonation pattern starts with an unknown number saying something like: "Hi Mum, it's me. I've broken my phone and this is my new number. I'm in a bit of trouble and need you to transfer some money urgently." The sender may then request a bank transfer and promise to repay it later.
The key to this scam is that it exploits a parent's instinct to help their child without asking too many questions. Always call your child's original number or contact them through another family member before sending any money.
WhatsApp Verification Code Scam
You receive a WhatsApp message from a contact (whose account has already been hijacked) asking you to forward a 6-digit code that was just sent to your phone. The code is actually WhatsApp's two-factor authentication code — forwarding it hands the fraudster full control of your WhatsApp account, which they then use to scam your contacts.
Crypto Investment Scams via WhatsApp
These begin with a message from an attractive stranger who "accidentally" texts the wrong number. After building rapport over days or weeks, they introduce a cryptocurrency investment opportunity with guaranteed returns. Victims are directed to a fake trading platform that shows impressive profits — until they try to withdraw, at which point fees and taxes are demanded, and the platform eventually disappears.
Warning Signs
| Red Flag | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Unknown number claiming to be family | Family impersonation scam |
| Request to forward a code | Account takeover attempt |
| "Wrong number" followed by friendship | Pig butchering / crypto scam setup |
| Urgent request for money | Stop and verify through an independently known contact route |
| Investment opportunity with guaranteed returns | Investment fraud |
How to Protect Yourself
Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp Settings. Do not forward verification codes. Verify an unexpected request for money by calling the person on a number already known to you. Block the sender and use the official reporting routes below if the message is suspicious.
Check a WhatsApp message safely
Extract only the link or phone number and check it in ScammersCheck. Do not paste a full conversation, contact names, photographs, or one-time codes. A result can provide technical context, but only an independent conversation with the real contact can verify a family claim.
Source note: Use NCSC phishing guidance and Report Fraud for reporting and recovery steps. The message examples are illustrative composites.
Received a suspicious WhatsApp message? Paste the phone number or any links into ScammersCheck for an instant check.
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