WhatsApp scam messages: how to spot one and check the link

A message from a “family member” on a new number, a stranger asking for a code, a job that pays for liking videos. Scams on WhatsApp look like a chat with a real person, which is what makes them work. Paste the message below to see where its links really go before you tap.

Updated 17 October 2026 · 4 min read

Check a WhatsApp message now

Check one now

Paste the WhatsApp message

Copy the message and paste it here, or paste just the link. Peekray picks out the links (up to 8) and shows where each one really goes, with a clear answer such as Safe, Check first or Scam.

To copy a WhatsApp message, press and hold it, then tap Copy. On Android you can also tap Share and choose Peekray.

or type or paste it here

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Check it before you open it. The code is read in your browser, and only a web address in it is sent for checking.

The usual ones

Six common WhatsApp scams

  • “Hi Mum, I’ve got a new number”

    Someone says they’re your child or another relative, on a new number because their phone broke or was lost, and they urgently need money. Call the number you already have for them before you do anything.

  • “I sent you a code by mistake”

    A stranger, or someone who seems to be in one of your groups, asks you to send on a six-digit code. It’s the code that logs in to your WhatsApp. Share it and they can take over your account and lock you out, then message your contacts as you.

  • Job and “task” offers

    An unexpected message offers good pay for simple online tasks, like rating products or liking videos. You may be paid a little at first, then asked to put in your own money, often crypto. The FTC says never pay anyone to get paid.

  • Investment groups

    You’re added to a big group of strangers and told you’ve been picked for a great investment, often crypto. Other “members” post about their winnings. MoneyHelper says being added to a large group of strangers is a strong sign of a scam.

  • “Sorry, wrong number”

    A stranger messages by mistake, then keeps chatting after you say so. Over days or weeks they build trust, then bring up money or an investment.

  • Fake company and government links

    A message that seems to come from a company or a government service asks you to confirm your details or claim a payment through a link. Go to the real website yourself instead, for example by typing gov.uk.

Spot it

Four signs of a WhatsApp scam

  1. 01

    A link to tap or an app to install

    WhatsApp lists this as a sign of a scam: being asked to tap a link, turn on a new feature through a link, or download an app. Paste the message above to see where the link really goes.

  2. 02

    Someone you know, on a new number

    Scammers pretend to be someone you know. Call them on the number you already have, or ask something only they would know. A voice or video call helps too.

  3. 03

    Asks for money, a code or your details

    Card or bank details, your date of birth, passwords, or a code you’ve just been sent. There is never a reason to hand over a WhatsApp code.

  4. 04

    A job, prize, investment or loan

    WhatsApp says scam messages are often about the lottery, gambling, a job, an investment or a loan. If you have to pay to get paid, it’s a scam.

Got a scam text instead?

Got one?

What to do with a WhatsApp scam

  1. 1

    Don’t tap the link, reply or forward the message.

  2. 2

    If it says it’s someone you know, call them on the number you already have.

  3. 3

    Never send anyone a code you’ve been sent, even someone who seems to be a friend.

  4. 4

    Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp’s settings, so a code alone can’t take over your account.

  5. 5

    Report and block the sender in WhatsApp (see below), then delete the chat.

Tapped the link or paid? What to do now

Report it

Where to report a WhatsApp scam

In the UK

In WhatsApp
In the chat, open the menu or tap their name, then choose Report or Block. WhatsApp gets the last five messages they sent you, and they aren’t told.
A scam website
Report it to the National Cyber Security Centre so it can be taken down.
Lost money
Tell your bank, then report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

In the US

In WhatsApp
In the chat, open the menu or tap their name, then choose Report or Block. WhatsApp gets the last five messages they sent you, and they aren’t told.
Any scam
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Gave your Social Security number
Go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

Let Peekray do it

Check the next WhatsApp link before you tap.

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FAQ

Common questions

How can I tell if a WhatsApp message is a scam?

Be wary of a message that asks you to tap a link or install an app, asks for money, a code or personal details, says it’s from someone you know on a new number, or is about a prize, job, investment or loan. To check a link, paste the message into Peekray and it shows where the link really goes.

I got “Hi Mum, this is my new number”. What should I do?

Don’t reply to the new number or send money. Call your child or relative on the number you already have for them. MoneyHelper suggests agreeing a family code word in advance, so you can check it’s really them.

Someone asked me to send them a six-digit code. Should I?

No. It’s the code that logs in to your WhatsApp account, and anyone who has it can take your account and lock you out. If you already sent it, log in to WhatsApp again with your phone number, which sends a fresh code by text, then turn on two-step verification.

Is a job offer on WhatsApp real?

Treat unexpected job messages on WhatsApp as a scam. The FTC says to ignore them, and never to pay to get a job or to get paid. Real employers don’t ask you to deposit money, often crypto, to unlock your earnings.

Can Peekray check a WhatsApp message?

Yes. Copy the message and paste it into Peekray on your phone or computer, and it checks the links in it (up to 8). On Android you can also share a message straight to Peekray after adding it to your home screen.

Does Peekray read my messages?

No. When you paste a message, Peekray picks out the links on your device and sends only those web addresses to its server to check. The rest of the message isn’t sent.

Sources

Where this advice comes from

Guides

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