Status Scams: Links and Offers in WhatsApp Status
A friend's WhatsApp status suddenly promotes an investment, a cheap sale or a giveaway. It is often a hacked account or a friend being used. How to spot status scams.
Status updates disappear after 24 hours and feel casual, which makes them a good place for scams to hide. A friend's status shows a screenshot of big profits, a sale of phones at half price, or a link to claim a prize.
Why it happens
- The account is hacked. Scammers post to reach every contact at once. See how stolen accounts are used.
- The friend is being used. Some investment and task schemes reward people for posting and recruiting. See pyramid recruitment.
- A friend was fooled and is sharing a fake offer in good faith.
Common status scams
- Profit screenshots and "DM me to join". See fake profit screenshots.
- Cheap electronics, cars or tickets with "pay deposit to reserve". See fake shops.
- Free data, vouchers or giveaways. See fake giveaways.
Check with your friend by phone before you reply or buy. A quick call exposes most status scams.
Protect your own status
- Limit who sees your status in Settings, Privacy, Status.
- Avoid posting travel plans, children's details or expensive purchases publicly.
- Turn on two-step verification so your account cannot be used this way.
For more, see our guide to WhatsApp scams.
Frequently asked questions
My friend posted about making money on an investment. Is it real?
Check with them by phone. Their account may be hacked, or they may be caught in a scam that rewards recruiting others.
Can I report a status?
Yes. Open the status, use the menu and choose Report.
Who can see my status?
It depends on your status privacy setting: all contacts, contacts except some, or only selected people.
Sources
- About suspicious messages and scams, WhatsApp Help Center
- How to change your privacy settings, WhatsApp Help Center
- Investment Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
