Don’t Get Caught! The Top 10 WhatsApp Scams To Watch For In 2026

Essentials to know

• In the US, scam texts and messages are surging – the FTC reported hundreds of millions in reported losses from text scams in 2024, and criminals increasingly use messaging apps (including WhatsApp) to reach victims.
• From “Hi Mom/Hi Dad” impersonation messages to fake jobs, romance scams, and phishing links, scammers use urgency, emotion, and “act now” pressure to push people into quick decisions.
• Many scams are designed to steal money, sensitive business info, or hijack your WhatsApp account using verification code tricks and call-forwarding tactics.
• Verify identities before you pay anyone, never share one-time codes, and treat unexpected links, QR codes, invoices, and “too good to be true” offers as red flags.
• Turn on WhatsApp two-step verification, train your team on common scam patterns, and consider a dedicated WhatsApp Business number to keep personal and work messaging separate.

How are you protecting your business against WhatsApp scams? It’s tempting to think you’d spot a scam instantly – but today’s fraudsters are polished, persistent, and very good at targeting busy owners and staff when they’re distracted.

A lot of these schemes start on WhatsApp Messenger, but as more US companies use WhatsApp Business for customer inquiries, bookings, quotes, and order updates, scammers are increasingly aiming their tactics at small businesses too – especially ones that take deposits, manage appointments, or pay vendors.

So how do you make sure you don’t get caught? Read on to discover the top WhatsApp scams to watch for in 2026, how they typically play out, and what you can do to keep your personal information, customer data, and money safe.

How common are WhatsApp scams?

In the US, messaging-led scams are a growing issue. The FTC’s data shows that losses reported from text scams reached $470 million in 2024 – and those numbers are likely only a slice of the real impact, since many scams go unreported.

WhatsApp-specific scams are harder to measure publicly, but the patterns are familiar: impersonation, job scams, romance/investment fraud, and account-takeover attempts. For small business owners, the risk isn’t just losing money – it’s losing access to an account that customers rely on, or having a hijacked WhatsApp profile used to scam your contacts, staff, or clients.

If you’re ever targeted (or lose money), it’s worth reporting to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) so patterns can be tracked and investigated.

The most common scams to watch out for on WhatsApp in 2026

This isn’t an exhaustive list – scammers constantly test new angles – but these are the most common WhatsApp scams US small businesses should keep on their radar.

1. The ‘friend or family member in need’ scam

Nothing triggers a fast reaction like a message that sounds like it’s from someone you love – and scammers exploit that emotional shortcut to get victims to send money quickly.

The conversation often begins “Hi Mom” or “Hi Dad,” then claims the family member lost their phone and is messaging from a new number. This scam is so widespread it’s often referred to as the “Hi Mom” text scam – and it frequently spreads via WhatsApp.

They’ll then ask for money for something “urgent” (a bill, rent, a broken phone, an emergency), and pressure you to act quickly. Sometimes they’ll add extra details like “I can’t access my bank app” to justify using unfamiliar payment details.

What you can do: If you get a request like this, don’t continue the conversation in WhatsApp. Call the person using a number you already have saved (or check with another family member). For business owners, it’s also smart to set a simple “family password” or verification question that only real relatives would know.

2. Job offer scams

Recruiters do sometimes use WhatsApp to get in touch with potential new hires – but unsolicited messages promising easy money, unrealistic salaries, or “remote work with no experience” are a major red flag.

In the US, the FTC has warned specifically about random job offer texts that are actually scams. These often ask for personal info, direct you to a fake “application link,” or push you to pay for “training,” “software,” or background checks.

What you can do: Treat unexpected recruiter messages with caution. Ask for the company’s official website, verify the role exists, and never share sensitive personal details over WhatsApp. Don’t click links from unknown recruiters – block and report the account if anything feels off.

3. Romance scams

Romance scams usually start on dating apps like Tinder, eHarmony, or Hinge – but scammers often move the chat to WhatsApp to make it feel more private and “real.”

Sometimes they ask directly for money, travel tickets, or gift cards. Other times they push “investment opportunities” (often crypto), promising guaranteed returns. In the US, romance and investment scams can be devastating – and they’re frequently tied to long, emotionally manipulative conversations.

What you can do: Be cautious if someone tries to move fast, isolate you, or introduces money talk early. If you haven’t met them in person and they ask for money (or “investment”), treat it as a red flag. Reverse image search profile photos and verify details across social accounts before trusting anyone.

4. Call forwarding scams

These attacks attempt to hijack your WhatsApp account by tricking you into enabling call forwarding. WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted and messages are stored on your device, so scammers can’t access your past chats – but if they can receive your verification call or code, they may be able to register your WhatsApp account on another phone.

Typically, the scammer calls you and convinces you to dial a number that starts with * or # (MMI codes). If you follow their instructions, you may unknowingly forward calls – including verification calls – to the attacker, allowing them to complete an account takeover.

What you can do: Don’t trust anyone who tells you to dial codes, “test” call settings, or enable call forwarding. If someone pressures you to act fast, pause and verify their identity through a known channel. If you think you’ve been targeted, review your phone’s call forwarding settings immediately and secure your WhatsApp account.

5. Lottery scams

Lottery scams rely on a simple hook: “You’ve won!” The scammer claims you’ve won a big prize and asks for personal info (like ID details) or a “fee” to release your winnings. Sometimes it’s framed as a sweepstakes, giveaway, or even a gambling win.

They’ll usually push urgency (“claim within 24 hours”) and secrecy (“don’t tell anyone”), trying to stop you from reality-checking the message.

What you can do: Ignore and report lottery win messages. If you didn’t enter, you can’t win. If you did enter something legitimate, go directly to the organization’s official website (don’t use WhatsApp links) to confirm how winners are contacted.

6. QR code scams

QR code scams (“quishing”) are growing because QR codes feel more trustworthy than links. A scammer sends a QR code for “payment,” “account verification,” or “claiming a prize,” then prompts you to enter a PIN or login details. That can lead to stolen credentials, banking access, or malware.

The FTC has warned that scammers can hide harmful links inside QR codes, leading victims to spoofed sites that look legitimate.

What you can do: Treat unexpected QR codes exactly like suspicious links. Don’t scan a QR code you weren’t expecting, especially if it’s tied to payments, bank logins, or “security checks.”

7. WhatsApp Gold scams

The WhatsApp Gold scam has been around for years. Fraudsters invite you to “upgrade” to a premium version of WhatsApp called WhatsApp Gold – which doesn’t exist. Clicking the link can install malware or lead to a fake login page designed to steal your information.

There are also “chain message” variations that use scare tactics to encourage forwarding messages to your contacts.

What you can do: Don’t forward scare messages. Delete WhatsApp Gold invites immediately and never install anything from an unknown link.

8. Fake giveaways and surveys

Scammers impersonate trusted brands (Amazon, Apple, major retailers) and send a message asking you to fill in a survey to enter a giveaway or receive a gift card. The link collects personal details – and sometimes payment info – which can be used for identity theft or further fraud.

For small businesses, similar scams can also appear as “supplier surveys,” “delivery confirmations,” or “account security checks” that lead to credential theft.

What you can do: Ignore unexpected giveaway messages. If it’s a brand you really use, visit their official website directly to verify the promotion – never through a WhatsApp link.

9. WhatsApp verification code scams

Verifying your WhatsApp Business account is quick, easy and secure – as long as you keep your verification code private.

Scammers commonly try to take over accounts by tricking you into sharing that code. You’ll receive a code you didn’t request, then someone messages claiming it was “sent by accident” and asks you to forward it. If you do, they can register your number on their device and lock you out.

WhatsApp’s own guidance is clear: if you get a code you didn’t request, don’t share it.

What you can do: Never share your verification code. If you receive a code without requesting it, assume someone is attempting an account takeover and secure your account immediately.

10. WhatsApp tech support scams

Scammers also pretend to be “WhatsApp support” or “Meta support,” claiming there’s a problem with your account and offering to fix it. They try to rush you by saying you’ll be locked out if you don’t respond quickly, then ask for verification codes, personal information, or banking details.

They may also try to fake legitimacy by placing a “verified” tick inside their profile photo – but a real verification badge appears next to the name, not embedded in an image.

What you can do: Be suspicious of any “support” message you didn’t initiate. WhatsApp support will never ask you to pay or share verification codes via chat. Block and report the account if you receive these messages.

How can I stay safe on WhatsApp?

Follow these top tips to keep your WhatsApp Business account secure:

• Pause before responding to an unexpected message – scammers rely on urgency and distraction
• Verify any unusual request for money, gift cards, or bank transfers (especially if it’s “urgent”)
• Set up a simple “password” or verification question with family, staff, or key vendors
• Confirm identities via a known method (like calling a saved number), not by replying in the same chat thread
• Turn on WhatsApp two-step verification – WhatsApp explains how it works here

Always make sure that you block suspicious messages and report them directly to WhatsApp. If you lose money or sensitive business information, report it to IC3 as well – fast reporting can help.

Is WhatsApp Business secure?

WhatsApp protects messages with end-to-end encryption, which is a strong foundation for privacy and security. But most WhatsApp scams don’t “break” encryption – they trick people into handing over money, codes, or access.

That’s why the best protection is a combination of security settings (like two-step verification), team training, and good operational habits around payments and identity checks.

Help keep your communications sane and easy to manage with a virtual number for WhatsApp to help separate your work and personal life. A dedicated WhatsApp Business number not only stops business calls from intruding into private time, but also helps you avoid scams – after all, why would your mom be calling your business number when she has your personal one?