WhatsApp Scam Alert as Millions of Accounts Shut Down
A stark warning has been issued to social media users after WhatsApp removed a staggering 6.8 million accounts in just six months, sparking fresh concerns over the scale of online fraud.
The crackdown comes amid a surge in investment scams, with losses in the UK rocketing from £13 million in 2019 to a jaw-dropping £75 million a year. Experts say the rise is being fuelled by slick, targeted ads on social media that lure victims onto private messaging apps.
BrokerChooser, a financial services comparison site, dug through more than 5,000 live finance-related ads from Meta’s public ad library. Their findings? Scammers are increasingly ditching open platforms for private chats on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram – away from the eyes of moderators.
Phrases to watch for include: “Visit Instagram profile”, “Send WhatsApp”, and “Join Telegram” – often paired with urgency traps like “Limited time” and “Don’t miss out.”
Adam Nasli from BrokerChooser explained: “Social media has become a prime hunting ground for scammers, with billions of people using these platforms globally.
Fraudsters exploit this vast reach by targeting users with enticing promises of unrealistic returns and quick profits. Common red flags include high-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited messages, and a lack of transparent documentation.
“Our analysis reveals that many scam and high-risk ads attempt to bypass platform moderation by directing users to private messaging apps.
Phrases like ‘Visit Instagram profile’, ‘Send WhatsApp’, ‘Join Telegram’ are commonly used, often paired with urgency-driven language such as ‘Limited time’ or ‘Don’t miss out’.
This helps scammers avoid detection and continue their efforts to manipulate users in a one-on-one setting.
“Ultimately, the best defence against falling victim to scams is education and due diligence. Stick to regulated platforms, look for clear risk disclaimers, and be sceptical of ads that promise exaggerated or risk-free returns.
Taking the time to research the company and individual behind the ad can save you from costly mistakes.”
The UK fares slightly better than many countries when it comes to spotting dodgy financial promotions – 66.15% of ads here were flagged as risky or misleading, compared to even higher rates elsewhere.
That leaves just over a third (33.85%) deemed safe. Italy follows closely, with a low 3.85% scam rate.
Still, more than half of UK financial ads are considered risky, often pushing speculative investments without proper warnings. Around 9% are outright scams.
Turkey ranked worst in the study, with more than three-quarters of its financial adverts falling into the high-risk category.
The message for British users is clear: stay alert, think twice before clicking, and treat unsolicited financial offers with suspicion.
