A Message from Family Asking for Money? How to Check It's Really Them

What you'll learn

• How scammers use a real family member's hacked account to ask for money

• The 60-second check that tells you whether it's really them

• How to make your own WhatsApp account much harder to hijack

• What to do if you've already sent money, or your own account has been taken over

Imagine your phone buzzes. It's a message from your grandson, or your best friend of thirty years. They say they're stuck, they've lost their card, and could you lend them £200 until payday? Of course you want to help. That kind, instant reaction is exactly what scammers are counting on.

This guide explains how this trick works, and gives you a simple check that takes about a minute. You don't need to be a tech expert, and you don't need to stop trusting the people you love.

How does this scam work?

The message looks genuine because it often is, in one sense: it really does come from your relative's WhatsApp or Messenger account. A scammer has broken into the account — for example by tricking the owner into sharing a six-digit code — and is now messaging everyone on their contact list.

Typical messages say things like "I'm in a bit of a fix", "can you send me a quick loan" or "I'll pay you back tomorrow". Sometimes they offer something to buy, such as a spare concert ticket at face value, and ask for payment up front. They want you to act quickly, before you think.

The 60-second check

1. Stop and don't reply with money or bank details. Nothing is so urgent that it can't wait a minute.

2. Ring them on the number you already have saved, not a number sent in the message. Hearing their real voice settles it.

3. Ask something only they would know. For example, "What was the name of the dog we had when you were little?" A scammer won't be able to answer.

4. If they don't pick up, wait. Try another family member who can reach them. A genuine emergency will still be there in ten minutes.

5. Let them know on a different route. If their account has been taken over, phone or text them so they can regain control.
   
   

Many families find it helpful to agree a "safe word" or question in advance — something that only the family knows. It takes two minutes at the next get-together and works for phone calls, messages and video calls.

Make your own account harder to take over

The same trick can be used against you, with a message sent to your contacts from your account. The best protection is free and takes two minutes: WhatsApp's two-step verification.

1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings (on an iPhone it's at the bottom right; on Android, tap the three dots first).

2. Tap Account, then Two-step verification, then Turn on.

3. Choose a six-digit PIN that you'll remember, and add an email address in case you forget it.
   
   

Then remember the golden rule: never share your PIN, or the six-digit code WhatsApp texts you, with anyone. If someone asks for it, even someone who seems like a friend, it's a scam.

If you've already sent money

Please don't feel embarrassed. These messages are designed to be convincing, and they catch out clever, careful people every day. The important thing is to move quickly.

1. Ring your bank straight away using the number on your card (or dial 159). Explain what's happened and ask them to try to stop or recall the payment.

2. Tell the family member whose account was used, by phone, so they can recover their account.

3. Report it at reportfraud.police.uk.

4. Watch out for follow-up messages. Scammers sometimes come back and try again.
   
   

If your own WhatsApp has been taken over

If you suddenly find yourself logged out, or friends say they've had odd messages from you, install WhatsApp again (or reopen it) and sign in with your phone number. WhatsApp will send a six-digit code by text: entering it logs the scammer out. Then switch on two-step verification as above, and let your contacts know — by phone, text or another route — that they should ignore any strange messages.

A quick word of reassurance

Staying in touch with family is one of the best things about modern technology, and this one scam shouldn't spoil it. Knowing the 60-second check puts you firmly back in control. Share this page with a friend or relative; it could save someone a lot of worry.

Quick summary

• A message from family asking for money may come from a hacked account

• Ring them on a number you already have saved, and ask a question only they could answer

• Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp (Settings > Account)

• If money has gone, ring your bank straight away and report it at reportfraud.police.uk

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