WhatsApp scams have become one of the most widespread impersonation frauds, preying on trust and creating a need for urgency. New Virgin Money data shows the scale of the problem, with customers reporting 235 cases in 2025 and transferring a combined £409,083.26 to fraudsters using this tactic – an average loss of £1,740 for each customer impacted by a WhatsApp scam.
This type of scam almost always follows the same script: a fraudster contacts the victim from an unknown number, pretends to be a family member or friend, claims their phone is broken or has no signal, and urgently pleads for money they need, such as to cover bills or replace a broken or stolen mobile phone. They often send repeated follow-up messages, escalating the pressure and relying on emotional manipulation to push people into acting before they stop to check whether the person is genuine.
Recent research* found that half (47%) of UK consumers have almost been caught out by a scam, Brits are targeted by a scam four times every month on average, and 35% have received a ‘Hi mum/hi dad’ message supposedly from a child asking for money, commonly seen in WhatsApp scams.
With reported cases continuing to rise in 2026, Virgin Money is urging customers to stay alert and protect themselves against this growing threat. The most effective safeguard is also the simplest: if you receive a message from an unfamiliar number claiming to be someone you know, always call that person on the number you already have for them before sending any money.
Gareth Pindred, head of fraud at Virgin Money, said: “Fraudsters prey on kindness and urgency, making WhatsApp scams particularly effective. The best defence is simple: if you get an unexpected request for money on WhatsApp, always pause and call or text the person on their usual number before doing anything else. That one step can stop the scam. Remember, you are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting yourself against scams.”
Gareth shares the warning signs to lookout for to avoid being caught out by a WhatsApp scam:
- Is the message unexpected, or has it come from an unknown number claiming to be a family member or friend with a story around losing or breaking their phone?
- Is there a request for money, usually urgent, emotional and with pressure to act quickly?
- Do the bank details they share with you match the person’s name? Scammers often claim they need to use a friend’s account, so bank details that don’t match can be another red flag.
- Does everything seem normal or does something feel off? If the request is out of character, rushed or doesn’t sound like the person you know, always stop and check before you act.
It’s easy to report a scammer to WhatsApp – open the message, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, select ‘more’ and then ‘report’. This send an anonymous report to WhatsApp who will then review the last five messages in the chat and decide whether the account should be investigated, without letting scammers know they’ve been reported.
Suspicious text messages can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre for free on 7726. Forward the message on, but don’t include any personal information.
Learn more about types of fraud, the latest scams and how to protect yourself here: Fraud and security | Virgin Money UK
* The survey was carried out by OnePoll in November 2025 with 2,000 UK adults.