Misinformation and Forwarded Messages on WhatsApp
What the 'Forwarded' and 'Forwarded many times' labels mean, why chain messages spread scams and false warnings, and a quick routine for checking claims before you share.
A message arrives marked Forwarded many times: a warning about a new virus, a government giveaway, a missing child or a free data offer. It feels urgent and important, so people pass it on. Some of these are harmless rumours. Others are scams designed to spread themselves.
What the labels mean
- Forwarded: the person who sent it did not write it.
- Forwarded many times: it has passed through a chain of five or more chats. WhatsApp limits how widely these can be forwarded again.
Neither label tells you whether the content is true.
Forwards that are usually scams
- "Forward this to 10 groups to receive free data or airtime." See fake giveaways.
- "The government is giving everyone a grant, register here." See fake government programmes.
- "Vote for this child in a competition." See vote scams.
- Warnings that tell you to click a link to "protect" your account.
A quick checking routine
- Pause. Urgency is how false messages spread.
- Check the source. Who says so? Is it on their official website?
- Check the date. Old news often recirculates.
- Search the key words with "fact check".
- Do not click links in the forward. See checking a link.
Some myths are about WhatsApp itself, such as stickers or profile pictures that "hack your phone". See myths and facts.
For more, see our guide to WhatsApp scams.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Forwarded many times' mean?
WhatsApp says it appears when a message has been forwarded through a chain of five or more chats. The sender did not write it.
Are forwarded warnings about scams useful?
Some are, but many are outdated or false. Check them against official sources before passing them on.
How can I check a forwarded claim?
Search the key words together with 'fact check', look at official sources, and check the date. WhatsApp also offers a search option for some forwarded messages.
Sources
- How to prevent the spread of misinformation, WhatsApp Help Center
- About forwarding limits, WhatsApp Help Center
- How to do an internet search on forwarded WhatsApp messages, WhatsApp Help Center
