**WhatsApp Users in the UK Targeted by Sophisticated Scam, Warn Experts**
A growing number of WhatsApp users in the United Kingdom are falling victim to an elaborate scam, with some individuals reportedly suffering catastrophic losses—up to their entire life savings. The warning comes following a viral TikTok video and renewed alerts by consumer groups, highlighting the heightened need for vigilance among users of the popular messaging service.
The scam, which has swept across the UK, operates by exploiting the trust between family members. Victims receive a message from an unknown number, frequently framed as a desperate plea for help from a loved one—most commonly a child. Phrases such as “Mum, I need some help” are intended to spark immediate concern and urgent action. Scammers then fabricate emergencies requiring a quick money transfer, claiming it is for essentials like a taxi fare or similar plausible excuses.
Social media creator @painfullyhonestnews brought attention to this scam on TikTok, stating, “So many people are being tricked, and some are losing their life savings.” The influencer shared insights into how the fraud works, breaking down the emotional manipulation techniques scammers employ. “It’s convincing because it preys on a parent’s worry,” he explained, “making it difficult to pause and question the situation, especially when it feels like your child is in distress.”
One reason this scam is proving so effective is the effort the perpetrators invest into authenticity. It has been alleged that scammers are not only impersonating the victim’s contacts but also using hacked accounts or even attempting to mimic voices by exploiting old voice messages. This use of personalisation and technology increases the believability of the requests, often leading recipients to act before verifying the situation.
Consumer champion Which? has echoed these concerns, calling for WhatsApp users to exercise caution. In guidance published on their website, Which? described several common tactics, including the so-called “Hi Mum and Dad” scam, fake employment opportunities, and complete account takeovers. These all rely on building trust and urgency, convincing users to transfer funds before confirming the authenticity of the message.
The features that make WhatsApp such a convenient and versatile app—free calls, messaging, video, voice notes, and image sharing—are also being leveraged by fraudsters to impersonate friends, family, or trusted organisations. The combination of an intimate communication platform and a sense of immediacy makes this scam particularly potent.
Experts urge everyone to double-check before sending money to anyone requesting financial assistance via messaging apps. The simplest advice remains the most effective: always contact the supposed sender directly, ideally through a voice or video call, to confirm the request is genuine. Victims who rushed to help, believing they were communicating with loved ones, often only realised too late that they had been deceived by an imposter.
As an added layer of security, WhatsApp users are being encouraged to activate two-step verification (2SV). This feature provides extra protection by requiring a six-digit PIN whenever the app is installed on a new device. Users can set this by navigating to their WhatsApp settings, selecting ‘Account’, followed by ‘Two-step Verification’, and then choosing a secure PIN. Providing an email address offers an additional method for resetting the PIN if forgotten.
For those who value the convenience of keeping in touch with friends and relatives, these warnings serve as a crucial reminder to stay cautious. Authorities also advise never to rush into financial transactions based on text messages alone, regardless of how urgent the situation appears.
The rise in these scams underscores the necessity for digital literacy and awareness across all age groups. As technology evolves, so too do the methods employed by fraudsters, who adapt quickly to exploit new security gaps and human vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, while WhatsApp remains a vital tool for many to communicate, only careful verification and proactive security practices can safeguard users from falling victim to these devastating schemes. With scammers constantly refining their techniques, awareness and caution remain the strongest defences.