WHATSAPP VERIFICATION

Pause before you trust a WhatsApp message.

WhatsApp messages can look convincing because they may come with a familiar name, profile photo, conversation history or urgent request. Before you click, pay, disclose information or take another important action, work through these checks.

A familiar WhatsApp account is not proof of identity.

Someone may impersonate a person you know, compromise an existing account or create a convincing profile using another person's name and photograph.

If a message involves money, account access, sensitive information or an unusual request, verify the situation independently before acting.

What does “verify through another channel” mean?
It means using a contact method you already trust instead of relying only on the message you received. For example, if someone messages you on WhatsApp asking for money, call the phone number you already have for that person. You can also use another contact method you already know belongs to them. Do not use a new phone number, link or contact detail supplied only by the suspicious message as your proof.
What should I never send through WhatsApp?
Never send passwords, one-time passwords, PINs, recovery phrases, private keys or other authentication secrets. These should remain under your control.
What if the message appears to come from someone I know?
Do not rely only on the WhatsApp account or conversation. If the request is unusual or high-impact, call the person's phone number that you already have or use another contact method you already trust. Ask whether they actually made the request.
WHATSAPP SAFETY CHECKS

Check the message before acting.

Work through the checks below. The more important the requested action, the more important independent verification becomes.

Who sent the message?

Confirm who is actually behind the WhatsApp account before trusting the request.

Why this matters
A familiar name, profile photo or display name does not prove that the person is genuine. Accounts can be impersonated or taken over.

Is the request unusual?

Pay attention when someone suddenly asks for money, information, access or another unusual action.

Why this matters
Unexpected requests deserve independent verification, especially when the person creates urgency or discourages you from checking.

Is there urgency or pressure?

Be cautious when the message tells you to act immediately or threatens a negative consequence if you wait.

Why this matters
Pressure can make people skip normal verification steps. Slow down and confirm the situation through a trusted contact method.

Does it contain a link?

Treat links in unexpected WhatsApp messages carefully, especially when they lead to login, payment or download pages.

Why this matters
Do not assume a link is legitimate because it contains a familiar company name or logo. Check the destination independently before opening or signing in.

Is money involved?

Verify payment requests, account details, transfers and beneficiary information before sending money.

Why this matters
Do not rely only on the WhatsApp conversation to confirm where money should go. If it is someone you know, call the phone number you already have for them or use another contact method you already trust. Do not use a new number or contact detail supplied only by the message as your proof.

Are they asking for a secret?

Never send passwords, OTPs, PINs, recovery phrases or private keys through WhatsApp.

Why this matters
Authentication secrets can allow someone to access an account or digital asset. Keep them under your control even when the request appears to come from someone you know.
Before you act, ask four questions.

Who is asking? Confirm the identity independently.

What are they asking me to do? Understand exactly what action is being requested.

How can I verify it? If it is a person you know, call the phone number you already have for them or use another contact method you already trust. If it is an organisation, find its official website or app yourself and use the contact details published there.

What happens if I am wrong? The greater the potential loss, the more carefully you should verify.

Never let WhatsApp urgency replace verification.

If someone asks for money or sensitive information, do not rely only on the WhatsApp conversation. Call a phone number you already know belongs to the person, or use another trusted contact method. For an organisation, locate its official website or app yourself and use the contact information published there.

VERIFY BEFORE YOU TRUST.