A friend messaged me on WhatsApp asking to borrow money urgently. How do I know it is them?
Call the friend on a normal phone call or ask something only they would know. Hacked WhatsApp accounts are often used to ask every contact for an urgent transfer to a "new" account.
The message usually says the person is stuck, the bank app is not working, or they will pay back "tomorrow". The account number given belongs to someone else.
Scammers take over WhatsApp accounts by tricking people into sharing the six-digit registration code.
Before you send
- Call your friend directly, not only by voice note.
- Ask a question only they can answer.
- Be careful if the account name does not match your friend's name.
- Warn your friend so they can recover their WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I protect my own WhatsApp?
- Turn on two-step verification in the WhatsApp settings and never share the six-digit code you receive by SMS.
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