Helping Someone Who Lost Money in a WhatsApp Scam
A friend or relative has been scammed on WhatsApp. How to help them contact their bank, secure their account, report it, avoid recovery scams, and cope with the shame and stress.
When someone you care about loses money in a WhatsApp scam, they may feel embarrassed, angry and frightened all at once. Practical help in the first hours matters, and so does how you make them feel.
First hours: practical steps
- Call the bank or mobile money provider on the official number. Ask to stop or recall the payment. See what to tell your bank.
- Secure their WhatsApp if it was taken over. See account recovery.
- Save evidence: chats, numbers, payment receipts. See preserving evidence.
- Report it. See reporting WhatsApp scams.
- Change passwords if they shared any, and watch accounts for further activity.
Watch for the second scam
"Recovery experts" target people who have just lost money. Anyone promising to get the money back for a fee is almost certainly another scammer. See recovery scams.
Emotional support
- Avoid "how could you fall for that?". Scams are designed by professionals.
- Let them talk; the feelings can include grief and shame.
- Suggest support services. In England and Wales, Victim Support helps people affected by fraud.
- Check in over the following weeks. See the emotional impact of scams.
Related: supporting someone who was scammed. For more, see how to protect your WhatsApp account.
Frequently asked questions
What should they do first?
Contact their bank or mobile money provider immediately using the official number, and ask whether the payment can be stopped or recovered.
Will they get the money back?
Sometimes, especially if they act quickly or paid by card. Often it is difficult. Be honest and avoid promises.
How do I help without making them feel worse?
Avoid blame. Say that scams are designed by professionals to fool people, and focus on practical next steps.
Sources
- What To Do if You Were Scammed, US Federal Trade Commission
- Refund and Recovery Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- Victim Support, Victim Support
