How to tell if a message is safe
Suspicious messages arrive through every channel — SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, and email. Scammers follow people to wherever they communicate. Knowing how to spot a suspicious message before you act on it can protect your money, your identity, and your personal data.
The most dangerous messages don't look dangerous at first glance. They're designed to feel urgent, familiar, or legitimate — which is exactly why a second opinion helps.
Red flags in any message
Regardless of where a message comes from, these signals suggest it may not be safe:
- Urgency — "Act now", "Limited time", "Your account will be closed in 24 hours"
- Unexpected money — Prizes, refunds, or inheritances you didn't expect
- Requests for personal data — Password, card number, ID, or bank account
- Suspicious links — URLs that don't match the sender's claimed identity
- Impersonation — Claiming to be your bank, a family member, or a government agency
- Pressure tactics — Making you feel like you'll lose something if you don't respond immediately
WhatsApp and messaging app scams
WhatsApp scams have exploded in recent years. Common patterns include:
- Wrong number scams — Someone contacts you by "mistake" and tries to build a relationship
- Investment scams — New contacts who offer crypto or forex investment opportunities
- Family emergency — "Hi Mum, I lost my phone, this is my new number, I need money urgently"
- Job offers via WhatsApp — Unsolicited recruiters offering remote work with high pay
- Lottery notifications — You've won a prize and need to pay a small fee to collect it
What to do with a suspicious message
If you receive a message that doesn't feel right:
- Don't click any links or download attachments
- Don't reply with personal information
- Paste the message here to get an independent risk assessment
- If it claims to be from a company, contact that company directly through their official website
- Report it to your local consumer protection agency