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Hacked relative's WhatsApp or Facebook asking for money
A message from a real contact's account, which has been taken over, asks for urgent money or for a code sent to your phone.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- A scammer takes over a relative's or friend's WhatsApp or Facebook account, often by tricking them into sharing a code.
- From that account, they message everyone with an urgent request for money, or ask you to forward a six-digit code "sent by mistake".
- The money goes to the scammer, and the code lets them take over your account too.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Hi, are you free? I need a small help urgently. Can you send Rs 25,000 to this UPI, I will return tomorrow.
I sent a 6-digit code to your number by mistake, can you forward it to me please?
Red flags
- An urgent money request from someone who never asks
- Payment to a third person's account
- A request for a code sent to your phone
- Odd language or spelling for that person
The one question to ask
Have you called this person on their usual number to confirm?
Already paid or shared details?
Call 1930 at once: in the first hour the money can often still be frozen before it moves on. Then call your bank on the number printed on your card, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots of every message and payment.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- A known person's profile copied with the same photo
- Group admin accounts hijacked to spread links