WhatsApp scam: someone is pretending to be you

How this scam works

The scammer takes any phone number, sets your photo or logo as the profile picture and your name as the profile name. Then they message people who know you (customers, followers, family) with lines like:

• “I changed my number, save this one.”
• “Special deal today only, send a deposit by mobile money to book.”
• “I have an emergency, can you send me money? I’ll pay you back tomorrow.”
• “I sent you a code by SMS by mistake, can you forward it?” (that code is used to steal their WhatsApp account).

Your account hasn’t necessarily been hacked: anyone can display any name and any photo. That is exactly why the phone number is the only thing worth checking.

Step 1: keep the evidence

1. Write down the full fake number, including the country code.
2. Ask the people contacted for screenshots of the conversation, the profile picture and any payment numbers requested.
3. Collect transfer references if someone already paid (date, amount, recipient number, reference).
4. Keep everything in one folder with a short summary of what happened.

Ask victims not to delete the chat until the screenshots are done.

Step 2: get the fake number reported and blocked

On WhatsApp, the person who received the messages is the one who can report the chat. Give them these steps:

1. Open the chat with the fake number.
2. Tap the name or number at the top of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap Report (they can also block the contact).
4. Confirm. The most recent messages are sent to WhatsApp for review.

When the number isn’t saved in their contacts, WhatsApp often shows Block and Report buttons right at the top of the chat. You can also contact support from the app (Settings → Help → Contact us) and explain that this number is impersonating you. Menus can change; the official help center at faq.whatsapp.com is the reference.

Step 3: warn your customers fast, everywhere

Every hour matters: scammers message many people at once.

1. Post a WhatsApp status: “Warning: the number +XXX… is not me. My only number is +YYY… I never ask for payment from any other number.”
2. Send the same message through a broadcast list to regular customers and in your groups.
3. Post the alert on your socials (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) and pin it.
4. Give one simple rule: “Before paying, check the number on my official link.”

Step 4: if someone already sent money

• The victim should contact their mobile money provider or bank immediately with the transaction reference. Speed helps, but a refund is never guaranteed.
• They can file a police report with the screenshots and references; many countries also have a cybercrime unit or an official online fraud reporting service.
• Keep a dated record of your own warning: it shows you alerted your customers.

For the full process, see someone is impersonating me online.

Protect your own WhatsApp account

1. Never share the 6-digit code you receive by SMS, even with someone claiming to be WhatsApp or a friend.
2. Turn on two-step verification: Settings → Account → Two-step verification, then set a PIN.
3. Check linked devices (Settings → Linked devices) and log out any you don’t recognize.

How My Official Links helps customers recognize your real number

• Your official link shows your real WhatsApp number (a button that opens the chat directly), your socials, promotions and address. Put it in your bios and your status.
• Certification (blue badge) checks that your phone numbers really belong to you (code received by WhatsApp or by call), along with your social accounts, emails and legal name. Learn about certification.
• The free Check an account tool accepts phone numbers: a customer pastes the number messaging them (with or without country code) and sees whether it belongs to a certified page. Add that link to your warning.
• If someone uses your name on My Official Links itself, use Report impersonation.

My Official Links is not affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta and can’t block a number. Create your page: 14-day free trial, no credit card.

What to do right now: checklist

1. Write down the full fake number and collect victims’ screenshots.
2. Post a warning status with your real number.
3. Alert customers via broadcast list and on your socials.
4. Ask the people contacted to report and block the number.
5. Point victims who paid to their provider and the police.
6. Turn on two-step verification on your WhatsApp.
7. Put your official link in your bios and certify your number.