WhatsApp Scams in the UK: How to Report & Protect Yourself

WhatsApp scams targeting UK residents have surged dramatically, with criminals exploiting the platform's popularity to conduct fraud, blackmail, and identity theft. Understanding how to identify, report, and protect yourself from WhatsApp scams is essential for UK users. The UK's national fraud reporting service, Action Fraud, has recorded significant year-on-year increases in WhatsApp-related crime from family impersonation scams to sophisticated investment fraud and sextortion blackmail. What makes these scams particularly dangerous is that they arrive through a platform people trust for daily communication, lowering natural suspicion. Victims range from teenagers to retirees, and financial losses can run into thousands of pounds per case. Knowing how to respond quickly and report through the right channels can make the difference between recovery and lasting harm.

Common WhatsApp Scams in the UK

Hi Mum/Dad Scam

This devastating scam has affected thousands of UK families:

Criminals message claiming to be your child, saying they've lost or broken their phone and are texting from a temporary number. They then request urgent money transfers, often claiming emergency situations like needing to pay a bill immediately or cover a medical expense.

According to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting service, this scam has cost victims over £1.5 million, with individual losses averaging £1,200-£2,000.

Warning signs:

• Message from unknown number claiming to be family member
• Urgent request for money before verification possible
• Excuses why they can't call or video chat
• Pressure to send money via bank transfer quickly
• Requests to WhatsApp only, avoiding calls

Investment Scams

WhatsApp investment fraud has become increasingly sophisticated in the UK:

Cryptocurrency scams: Fake investment platforms promising exceptional returns on Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. Scammers show fabricated profits to encourage larger investments before disappearing with funds.

Forex trading scams: Fraudulent foreign exchange trading schemes operated through WhatsApp groups. "Experts" share fake trading signals and success stories to recruit victims.

Pension liberation fraud: Scammers target UK residents offering early access to pensions before age 55, which is illegal and carries massive tax penalties. They pocket transfer fees and commissions while victims face HMRC penalties.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warns that WhatsApp investment scams often use cloned firm details, making them appear legitimate.

Romance Scams

Online romance scams via WhatsApp cost UK victims over £50 million annually

Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites, then move conversations to WhatsApp where there's less oversight. After building emotional connections over weeks or months, they request money for emergencies, travel to meet you, business investments, or family crises.

These scams are particularly devastating because victims lose both money and suffer emotional trauma from the fabricated relationship.

WhatsApp Account Hijacking

Criminals steal WhatsApp accounts to scam your contacts:

The scammer sends you a verification code claiming to be from WhatsApp support or a service requiring verification. Once you provide the code, they register your phone number on their device, taking control of your account. They then message your contacts requesting money, which people may send believing it's really you.

This scam is particularly effective because messages come from legitimate accounts of people contacts know and trust.

Parcel Delivery Scams

Fake delivery notifications via WhatsApp have surged:

Messages claim to be from Royal Mail, DPD, Evri, or other delivery services, stating you need to pay a small fee (typically £1.99-£2.99) to receive a package or reschedule delivery. Links lead to fake websites that steal payment card details or install malware.

UK delivery companies never request payment via WhatsApp and don't send delivery notifications through the platform.

HMRC and Government Impersonation

Scammers impersonate HMRC, DWP, or other government agencies via WhatsApp:

Messages threaten legal action, arrest warrants, or benefit suspension unless immediate payment is made. They create urgency and fear to prevent victims from verifying legitimacy.

UK government agencies never contact citizens via WhatsApp about tax debts, benefits, or legal matters. All legitimate communications come through official channels like post or secure online portals.

How to Report WhatsApp Scams in the UK?

Action Fraud

Report all WhatsApp scams to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting center:

• Online: Visit ActionFraud.police.uk to file reports 24/7
• Phone: Call 0300 123 2040 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm)

Action Fraud provides crime reference numbers and forwards reports to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau for investigation. While individual follow-up may be limited for lower-value fraud, reports contribute to identifying criminal networks and preventing future victims.

Local Police

For immediate threats, harassment, or blackmail via WhatsApp, contact local police:

Emergency: Dial 999 if you're in immediate danger

Non-emergency: Call 101 to report WhatsApp threats, blackmail, or harassment

Bring printed screenshots of all messages, account details, and any demands made. Police can investigate threats and potentially identify perpetrators through phone records and platform cooperation.

WhatsApp Reporting

Report suspicious accounts directly to WhatsApp:

• 1. Open the chat with the scammer
• 2. Tap the contact name at top
• 3. Scroll down and select "Report Contact"
• 4. Choose appropriate reason
• 5. Block the contact

WhatsApp investigates reports and bans accounts violating terms of service.

Financial Institution Reporting

If you've sent money to scammers:

Bank transfer: Contact your bank immediately. UK banks are part of the Authorized Push Payment (APP) Scam code, which may provide refunds for certain fraudulent transfers.

Credit/debit card: Report to your card issuer immediately. You may have protection under Section 75 (credit cards) or chargeback rights (debit cards).

Time is critical: Report within 24 hours for best chances of recovery or reimbursement.

FCA Reporting

For investment scams, report to the Financial Conduct Authority:

Online: FCA.org.uk

Phone: 0800 111 6768

The FCA maintains warnings lists of known scam operations and coordinates with law enforcement on investment fraud.

Protecting Yourself from WhatsApp Scams

Verify Identity

Always verify unexpected requests through alternative means:

• Call the person using a known number (not the number messaging you)
• Video call to confirm identity visually
• Ask questions only the real person would know
• Check with other family members about claimed emergencies

Never send money based solely on WhatsApp messages, regardless of how convincing they seem.

Privacy Settings

Configure WhatsApp to limit scammer access:

• Profile Photo: Set to "My Contacts" or "Nobody"
• About: Set to "My Contacts" or "Nobody"
• Last Seen: Set to "Nobody"
• Status: Set to "My Contacts"
• Live Location: Share only temporarily with specific contacts
• Groups: Set to "My Contacts" to prevent strangers adding you

Two-Step Verification

Enable this critical security feature:

Settings → Account → Two-step verification → Enable

Create a 6-digit PIN required when registering your phone number with WhatsApp. This prevents account hijacking even if someone obtains your verification code.

Recognition Red Flags

Be suspicious of WhatsApp messages with:

• Unexpected requests for money, even from known contacts
• Pressure for immediate action without verification
• Too-good-to-be-true investment opportunities
• Requests for verification codes, PINs, or passwords
• Generic greetings without your name
• Poor grammar and spelling errors
• Refusal to communicate via phone or video call
• Unknown numbers claiming to be friends or family

Safe Practices

• Never share verification codes with anyone
• Don't click links from unknown contacts
• Verify sender identity before acting on requests
• Research investment opportunities independently
• Keep WhatsApp updated to latest version
• Use strong device passcodes
• Enable biometric locks on WhatsApp if available

What to Do If You've Been Scammed

Immediate Actions

• Stop communication: Block the scammer immediately and don't engage further.
• Report: File reports with Action Fraud, local police, and WhatsApp.
• Financial institutions: Contact banks and card companies urgently if you've sent money or provided payment details.
• Document everything: Save screenshots, messages, account details, and timeline of events.
• Alert contacts: If your account was compromised, warn contacts not to send money based on messages appearing from you.
• Change passwords: Update passwords on WhatsApp and any accounts potentially compromised.

Financial Recovery

• APP Scam Code: If you were tricked into authorizing a bank transfer, you may be entitled to reimbursement under the Contingent Reimbursement Model Code. Contact your bank immediately.
• Section 75: Credit card purchases of £100-£30,000 have additional protections allowing you to claim from card issuer.
• Chargeback: Debit card transactions may be reversed through chargeback procedures if goods/services weren't received.
• Time limits apply: Act within 120 days for chargeback, as quickly as possible for APP claims.

WhatsApp Blackmail in the UK

WhatsApp blackmail and sextortion are serious crimes in the UK:

Legal Framework

• Blackmail: Illegal under Theft Act 1968, Section 21, carrying maximum 14 years imprisonment.
• Malicious Communications: Section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 criminalizes threats sent electronically.
• Communications Act 2003: Section 127 covers offensive or menacing messages sent via electronic communications.

If you're being blackmailed via WhatsApp, you've committed no crime. The blackmailer is the criminal, and UK law provides robust protections for victims.

Immediate Response to Blackmail

• 1. Stop communication: Don't respond, negotiate, or pay
• 2. Document thoroughly: Screenshot everything including profile, messages, demands
• 3. Report to police: Call 101 or visit local station with evidence
• 4. Report to Action Fraud: File online report
• 5. Seek support: Contact specialized services for help

Professional blackmail response services can provide immediate assistance while you report to authorities.

Content Removal

If intimate images are posted or threatened:

• Report to WhatsApp immediately
• Request removal from any websites hosting content
• Submit removal requests to Google search results
• Consider legal options including injunctions
• Consult solicitors specializing in intimate image abuse

The UK's Revenge Porn law (Section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015) criminalizes sharing intimate images without consent, carrying up to 2 years imprisonment.

Resources for UK WhatsApp Scam Victims

• Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 | ActionFraud
• Citizens Advice: Free advice on scams and consumer rights
• Victim Support: 24/7 support line | 0808 16 89 111
• National Cyber Security Centre: Guidance on staying safe online |
• Take Five: Campaign to prevent financial fraud | TakeFive-StopFraud.org.uk

Staying Informed

Scammers constantly evolve tactics. Stay updated on new scams:

• Follow Action Fraud on social media for latest warnings
• Subscribe to Which? scam alerts
• Check NCSC cyber aware updates
• Review FCA warnings list regularly
• Join community watch schemes

You’re Not Alone: Help and Support Are Available

WhatsApp scams target UK users daily, costing millions in financial losses and causing significant emotional harm. By understanding common scams, using proper security settings, and knowing how to report through official channels like Action Fraud, you can protect yourself and your family.

Remember that legitimate contacts will understand if you verify their identity before sending money, and UK institutions never conduct business or make threats via WhatsApp. When in doubt, hang up, log off, verify independently.

If you've been scammed, report immediately to maximize chances of recovery and help prevent others from becoming victims. Don't feel ashamed, these scams are sophisticated, and reporting is essential for holding criminals accountable.

For immediate help with WhatsApp blackmail or threats, contact emergency services (999) if in danger, or reach out to specialized support services for confidential 24/7 assistance including evidence preservation, content removal, and law enforcement coordination.