Someone I met on Instagram wants to move to WhatsApp straight away. Should I worry?
Not always, but it is a common first step in romance scams. Moving to WhatsApp takes you away from the platform that can block the profile, so check who the person is before you share your number.
Platforms remove fake profiles when people report them. A scammer who gets your WhatsApp number keeps contact with you even after the profile is gone, and can see your profile photo and status.
Plenty of honest people prefer WhatsApp too. The question is what comes next: pressure, quick declarations of love, or questions about your money.
Before you give your number
- Keep chatting on the platform for a while and see whether the story stays the same.
- Look at the profile: when was it created, who are the friends, do the photos look real?
- Search for the profile photos with Google Lens.
- If you move to WhatsApp, hide your profile photo and status from people who are not in your contacts.
Frequently asked questions
- They deleted their Instagram after we moved to WhatsApp. Is that a sign?
- Yes, it is a strong sign. A profile that disappears right after you move chats is often a fake profile that was reported or is no longer needed.
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