WhatsApp Battles Surge in Scams, Bans Millions of Accounts
WhatsApp is actively combating a growing wave of scams targeting its users, having removed over 6.8 million accounts linked to fraudulent activity in the first half of 2025. The platform is simultaneously rolling out new safety tools and warnings to help users identify and avoid online fraud, as scammers increasingly leverage private messaging apps, dating platforms, and even artificial intelligence to execute their schemes.
The crackdown comes as criminal operations are becoming more sophisticated, often spanning multiple apps to obscure their tracks. Scammers may initiate contact through a text message or dating app, then migrate to WhatsApp, and ultimately conclude the fraud on platforms like Telegram or cryptocurrency exchanges. In some cases, victims are routed through as many as five different apps, making detection more difficult.
Impersonation and Financial Requests
A common tactic involves scammers impersonating individuals known to the victim – a practice often referred to as a “Mom and Dad scam” – claiming to have a new phone number or even spoofing an existing one. These impersonators frequently create a sense of urgency, requesting financial assistance. According to reports, scammers are also exploiting WhatsApp to solicit support in contests or directly request loans, often in amounts ranging from hundreds of euros.
OneCard has recently issued a warning about a particularly alarming scam known as “screen mirroring fraud.” This involves tricking victims into granting access to their phone screens, allowing criminals to steal sensitive information like one-time passwords (OTPs) and bank credentials in real-time. Victims have suffered drained bank accounts and stolen identities as a result.
How the Screen Mirroring Scam Works
The screen mirroring scam typically begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be from a bank, alleging an issue with the victim’s account. If the victim follows the caller’s instructions, they may unknowingly grant access to their phone screen. This allows the scammer to view everything on the device, including banking transactions and personal messages.
Scammers are exploiting the immediacy of WhatsApp communication to prevent victims from verifying the request through official channels. When contacted, they often provide excuses to avoid a voice call verification, preferring to maintain control of the situation through text-based communication.
Protecting Yourself
WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta, partnered with OpenAI to shut down a scam operation linked to Cambodia. Fraudsters used ChatGPT to generate messages offering fake “like-for-pay” gigs, directing victims to WhatsApp and then Telegram, where they were asked to like TikTok videos.
To protect against these threats, experts recommend several precautions:
- Be wary of unsolicited messages and requests for personal information.
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from a bank or financial institution.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
- Regularly check the “Linked Devices” section in WhatsApp settings to identify any unauthorized access.
- Be cautious about granting screen-sharing permissions.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, it is crucial to contact both your bank and law enforcement authorities immediately.
