How to Spot a Scam Message on WhatsApp or Text

Scam messages are everywhere, and they're getting more convincing. Most of them follow the same patterns, so once you know the signs, they're much easier to spot.

Common scam messages

• "Hi Mum, this is my new number." A stranger pretends to be your child or relative and soon asks for money.
• Fake delivery messages. "Your package is held. Pay a small fee to release it." with a link.
• Bank alerts. "Your account has been locked. Click here to verify." Banks don't do this by text.
• Prizes and giveaways. "You won a phone. Pay for shipping to claim it."
• Easy job offers. "Earn J$20,000 a day liking videos." These end with you paying money.
• Code requests. "I sent you a code by mistake, please send it back." That code is for your WhatsApp account.

Warning signs

• The message creates urgency or fear: act now, or something bad will happen.
• It asks for money, a code, your PIN or your password.
• The link looks slightly wrong, like extra words, misspellings or strange endings.
• It comes from an unknown number claiming to be someone you know.
• The spelling and grammar feel off.

What to do

1. Don't click links in messages you weren't expecting.
2. Call the person or company directly using a number you already have, not one in the message.
3. Never share codes sent to your phone. No one legitimate will ask for them.
4. Block and report the number in WhatsApp.
5. Warn your family, especially older relatives, who are often targeted.

If you already clicked or paid

• If you entered a password, change it right away and turn on two-step verification.
• If you shared bank details, call your bank immediately and ask them to block your card.
• If you shared a WhatsApp code, open WhatsApp and re-register your number to log the scammer out, then turn on two-step verification.
• Report money scams to the police.

When in doubt, wait. A real person or company won't mind you checking.