Whatsapp payment requests

What are WhatsApp payment requests?

In this scam, fraudsters use excuses such as an emergency, a blocked account, or an unexpected payment that needs to be made quickly. They try to pressure you into transferring money immediately, often via a payment link or QR code.

Examples:

• You receive a WhatsApp message from a “friend” claiming they urgently need money and asking you to pay via a payment request or make a direct transfer
• The phone number is new or unknown, but the name and profile picture look familiar
• They tell you not to call because their phone is “broken” or because it’s urgent.

How to recognise WhatsApp payment requests?

• The request comes from an unknown number but uses a familiar name or photo
• There is a sense of urgency: “I need money NOW!”
• You are asked to transfer money via a link or QR code
• You are told not to call to verify the request.

What can you do?

• Always call the friend or family member using a trusted number to confirm the request
• Never transfer money based solely on a message, no matter how familiar it seems
• If in doubt, contact your Client Advisor or our helpdesk immediately.