WhatsApp 'New Number' Scam UK: How to Spot Family Impersonation Tricks

A message from your son, daughter, or parent saying they've got a new number — but it's actually a criminal trying to manipulate you into sending money.

Published 2026-04-21 · Beat the Scam Editorial Team · 7 min read

What is this scam?

The 'new number' WhatsApp scam is when a criminal messages you pretending to be a family member — often a child or grandchild — claiming they've changed their phone number. The scammer uses a number you don't recognise and may send a photo or reference personal details to seem legitimate. Once they establish rapport, usually within minutes or hours, they create an urgent crisis: a car accident, hospital bill, legal fine, or business emergency. They then ask you to send money immediately via bank transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency, often with the excuse that their own account is frozen or they're unable to access their usual payment methods. The scam exploits the natural instinct to help family in crisis and the trust we place in those close to us. Victims often realise too late that they've been communicating with a stranger, not their loved one.

Warning signs to look for

• The sender claims to have a new number but you didn't expect them to change it, or they seem vague about why they changed it.
• They ask you not to tell other family members about the new number, or say their old contacts are temporarily unavailable.
• The conversation quickly moves from friendly chat to an urgent financial request within a short timeframe.
• They ask you to keep the money transfer secret or tell you not to contact them using old contact details.
• The writing style feels slightly off compared to how that family member normally messages you — different expressions, formality, or emoji use.
• They claim to be in crisis but can't make a phone or video call when you suggest it, offering vague reasons like poor signal or broken phone.
• They ask for payment via bank transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency rather than methods they'd normally use with you.
• The profile picture is blurry, very recent, or copied from social media rather than a personal photo you've seen before.

How this scam works step by step

The scam typically begins with a message from an unknown WhatsApp number, often sent to multiple contacts at once. The scammer will say something like 'Hi mum, it's me, I've got a new number' or 'Dad, I've changed my phone — save this one.' They may reference personal details gleaned from social media or previous data breaches to sound authentic. To avoid immediate suspicion, they'll chat casually for a few minutes, asking how you are or making small talk. Then the urgency kicks in: they claim to be stranded abroad, in hospital, facing a court fine, or dealing with a business emergency requiring immediate funds. They'll cite a specific amount — often £500 to £3,000 — and explain why they can't access their own money. They'll pressure you to act quickly, sometimes claiming they need the money within the hour. If you agree, they'll provide bank details or a payment link. Once the transfer completes, they disappear. If you hesitate, they'll intensify the emotional pressure or provide fake 'proof' of their crisis, such as a fabricated screenshot.

How to verify if it is genuine

Stop texting immediately and call the family member on their actual number — the one you have saved in your phone or know from previous conversations. Don't use a number they've given you in the new message. This single step catches 99% of these scams because the real person won't know why you're asking about a 'new number'. Ask them specific personal questions only they could answer, like details from a recent conversation or a family event. If they really did change their number, they would have contacted you through a trusted channel first — usually a phone call, email, or message to your existing contact before moving to WhatsApp. Check their social media accounts — legitimate family members usually post or update their profile picture regularly, whereas scammer accounts often have generic or stolen photos. If they claim a genuine emergency, suggest a video call on FaceTime, Messenger, or Zoom — scammers almost always refuse or make excuses. Trust your instinct: if something feels rushed, emotionally manipulative, or out of character, it's almost certainly a scam.

What to do if you have already interacted

If you've already sent money, contact your bank immediately — call the number on the back of your card, not any number in your messages. Tell them you've been scammed and ask them to recall the transfer if it hasn't cleared yet. UK banks can often freeze or recover money within a few hours of transfer. Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk — provide the WhatsApp number, messages, and bank details used. Forward the WhatsApp number to 7726 (SPAM) to report it to your mobile network. Block the WhatsApp account immediately and do not respond to any further messages. Take screenshots of the entire conversation before deleting it — these are evidence. Warn other family members about the scam so they're not targeted with the same number. If you've shared personal information like your address, date of birth, or passport details, monitor your credit file through Clearscore or Equifax for suspicious activity. Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need support or guidance on next steps.

Reporting this scam in the UK

Report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, by calling 0300 123 2040 (lines open Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm) or online at actionfraud.police.uk. They'll issue a crime reference number you'll need for your bank. Forward the WhatsApp number to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile network and help them block it for other users. Report the suspicious WhatsApp account directly through the app: open the chat, tap the contact name, scroll to 'Block this contact', and report. If the scammer sent a phishing link or malicious attachment, report it to the NCSC Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk — include screenshots. Contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need advice on recovery options or have lost significant money. Inform your bank's fraud team in writing so there's a formal record. If you're concerned about your security after the scam, change your WhatsApp privacy settings: go to Settings > Account > Privacy and set 'Last Seen' and 'Online' to 'Nobody' to make yourself a less obvious target for future scammers.

Frequently asked questions