Cybersecurity•May 15, 2026•6 min
How to spot a WhatsApp scam before you lose money
Warning signs, common tactics, and what to do if you already shared data or transferred funds.
WhatsApp scams no longer rely only on fake prizes. Attackers impersonate banks, delivery services, tax agencies, or people you know. Spotting them early prevents financial loss and data leaks.
Common warning signs
- Extreme urgency: “you have 10 minutes to avoid account suspension”.
- Short links or lookalike domains (secure-mercadopago.com, bank-ar.com).
- Requests for SMS codes, passwords, or screenshots of your banking app.
- The sender uses a new number but claims to be family or a vendor.
What to do if you suspect a scam
Do not reply or click. Verify through another channel (official bank number or saved contact). If you already transferred money, contact your bank immediately and preserve screenshots for a report and possible forensic analysis.