WhatsApp is a handy tool for staying connected, especially for small businesses that need quick, on-the-go communication. But where convenience goes, scammers follow. From fake family emergencies to investment cons, WhatsApp has become a hotbed for fraudsters looking to catch you off guard.
Common WhatsApp scams in Australia
Scammers are getting creative on WhatsApp, and they’re not just targeting big corporations—small businesses and individuals are also in their sights.
One of the most common WhatsApp scams in Australia is the notorious “Hi Mum” scam. In this con, you’ll receive a text message from an unknown number claiming to be your child, saying they’ve lost or damaged their phone. They’ll urgently ask for help—usually money to pay an overdue bill or to replace their phone.
At its peak in 2022, this scam caught over 11,000 Australians, costing a staggering $7.2 million. Worryingly, reports suggest the scam is making a comeback. Even more alarming, versions of this scam in the US and UK now involve AI-generated voices, making the impersonation sound even more convincing and increasing the chances of someone falling for it.
Another common WhatsApp scam is fake investment opportunities. Scammers pose as financial advisors or even impersonate trusted contacts to offer too-good-to-be-true investment schemes, often promising big crypto returns. Spoiler alert: you won’t see your money again.
Or there are the account takeover fraud scams. You might receive a WhatsApp message asking for a verification code “sent by mistake.” If you share it, the scammer takes control of your account and starts targeting your contacts.
The Whats App tricks scammers use
Scammers are experts at creating panic to get you to act fast. Their messages often claim you need to make an urgent payment, fix a problem with your account, or risk losing access to a service. They might say your account’s been hacked, or there’s an issue with a delivery, all designed to push you into quick action.
Impersonation is another favourite tactic. Scammers pretend to be someone you know—a friend, a family member, or even a colleague—asking you to update their details or help them out of a tricky situation. They’ll often include links or numbers to call, but these lead you straight into their trap.
No matter the method, the goal is the same: to make you feel rushed and emotional, so you act without thinking. Spotting these pressure tactics is your first step to staying safe.
How to avoid WhatsApp scams
A little caution goes a long way. Here’s how to stay safe from WhatsApp scams:
- Verify contacts: If you get an unusual message claiming to be from a friend, colleague, or family member, especially one saying they’ve got a new phone number, try calling them on the original number you have. If that doesn’t work, message them on the new number with a question only they would know the answer to.
- Never click on links in messages: Scammers create lookalike websites to trick you. If you need to visit a website, search for it yourself or use the official app instead.
- Don’t call numbers provided in suspicious messages: Always look up contact details from a trusted source, like the company’s official website.
- Never share verification codes: These are the keys to your account. Keep them private at all times.
- Enable two-step verification: Add an extra layer of protection to your WhatsApp account to make it harder for scammers to break in.
- Think twice about investment offers: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay cautious about financial opportunities received via WhatsApp.
Stay connected while staying protected
WhatsApp is a great business tool, but it pays to stay alert. Take a moment to pause before you reply or click, and you could be saving yourself a lot of trouble and money.
For more practical tips on staying cyber safe across all your communication platforms, enrol in the free Cyber Wardens training program.
