With more than 2.7 billion accounts globally and more than 75 million users in the US, WhatsApp is a massive social media platform. Like other social media, WhatsApp scams are unfortunately widespread due to the platform’s immense size and global reach. Scammers are still using WhatsApp to find their next victims in 2025, after US citizens alone lost $770 million to social media scams in 2023. The platform has also been used by some to carry out AI voice cloning scams, which are growing in popularity across the world.
This guide will take a look at some of the most popular WhatsApp scams in 2025 so that you can avoid them and keep your personal information protected. Continue reading to find out more.
Whatsapp Scams
Family Member Impersonation
These scams are designed to target individuals by pretending to be someone they trust. Scammers will send a message from an unknown number claiming their phone was lost or broken. They then follow up by requesting urgent financial help. These messages often use informal language and emotional pressure to seem convincing. To avoid falling for these scams, it’s important to verify the person’s identity before sharing anything with them. A quick FaceTime call could do the trick.
Wrong Number Scams
Once the scammer gets a reply from you, they can try to build a friendly conversation and gain your trust after using the wrong number excuse. They may then attempt to manipulate the conversation toward financial scams, investment fraud or phishing for personal information. Make sure to never lower your guard and keep your personal information private.
Survey Scams
WhatsApp survey scams deceive users into believing that they have been chosen to answer a brief survey in return for a reward. This is usually a gift card, discount, or prize from a well-known company like Apple Store or Amazon. The message often includes a link and may appear to come from a friend or group chat, making it seem more trustworthy. After clicking the link, users are prompted to respond to a series of simple questions before being encouraged to “unlock” the reward by sharing the survey with their contacts.
Romance Scams
The scammer may claim to be working abroad and often use stolen photos to create convincing profiles to trick users into thinking they’re real. Once a bond is formed, they begin asking for money. This is usually for a fake emergency, travel costs to visit or medical expenses. These scams are carefully scripted and emotionally manipulative, making victims feel obligated or guilty if they hesitate. Never send funds or personal details to someone you’ve only met online, and report suspicious behavior to WhatsApp.
Immigration Scams
WhatsApp immigration scams target individuals seeking visas, residency, or citizenship within a specific country. They often pose as government officials or immigration agents to gain access to your personal information. Asking for upfront payments, copies of personal documents, or confidential information under the guise of processing fees or legal requirements is a normal activity for these types of scammers. Contact immigration lawyers in London if you feel suspicious about this happening to you.
Job Offers
These scams usually ask recipients to provide personal details, pay upfront fees for training or background checks. They also trick people to click on suspicious links that can steal data or install malware. Some scammers even impersonate well-known companies by using fake logos and official-sounding job descriptions to seem convincing. The goal is to exploit job seekers desperate for work, leading to financial loss or identity theft. Always verify job offers through official company websites or trusted job portals to stay protected.
Bank Scams
Fraudsters can impersonate bank officials to trick people into revealing sensitive banking information. Cyber criminals send messages claiming there’s an issue with your account and ask you to provide passwords, PINs, or one-time codes. They occasionally distribute phoney links that mimic the website of your bank in an attempt to obtain your login information. These frauds may result in financial loss and illegal access to your bank or CashApp accounts.
Fake Two-Factor Authentication
Fake Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) scams on WhatsApp trick users into giving away their 2FA codes, which are meant to add an extra layer of security to their accounts. If the victim provides this code, the scammer can take over their WhatsApp account, lock them out, and potentially access personal chats. Never give away this information.
Conclusion
Scammers can steal your information without you realising it with their underhanded tactics. Make sure that you never speak to any number that you don’t recognise and never discuss your details without confirming that it’s legitimate. Keeping your friends and family aware of this is also essential, as you won’t want their information stolen either.
