Dormant Account Reactivation Scam on WhatsApp

How it looks on WhatsApp, the red flags and what to do.

WhatsApp is private and fast, which scammers like: a "wrong number" chat can turn into a task, an investment tip or a payment request within minutes. Dormant Account Reactivation Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message says your unused bank account will be closed unless you reactivate it through a link. The page steals your login and OTP.

What dormant account reactivation scam looks like on WhatsApp

• A PDF, APK or image that must be opened to "see the details".
• A link that pretends to be a wa.me, courier or bank page.
• A message from an unknown number, often with a stock photo of a smiling person.

The scammer sends the same message to many numbers and hopes that some of them will have an old or rarely used account. The text says that the account has been inactive for a long time and will be closed within hours. It uses the bank's name, a short link and a line saying that any balance will be moved to a government fund, which sounds serious.

Red flags to check on the WhatsApp message

• A message says your account will be closed today.
• A link is offered to reactivate it.
• The page asks for password, card PIN and OTP together.
• The message mentions moving your balance to a fund.
• The sender moves you quickly to Telegram or to a second app.
• A file ending in .apk arrives; never install it.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link or enter any detail.
2. Check the account's status in the bank's official app or at the branch.
3. Do not share an OTP or card PIN for any activation.
4. Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings so a stolen SMS code is not enough.
5. Warn the group or family, and report the number on Sanchar Saathi if it is a scam call or message.
6. Do not click links or open files. Do not send money or codes.

Inside WhatsApp use Block and report; for numbers that call or text you, the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) also takes complaints.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call your bank on the number on your passbook and block net banking, cards and UPI.
2. Call 1930 and give the time, amount and transaction IDs.
3. Ask the bank to check for changed contact details or payees on the account.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the message and page screenshots.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's scam check reviews the text you paste or share and gives a plain verdict with reasons such as urgency, fake authority and OTP asks, while the link check looks at the link for lookalike domains and shortened addresses. It cannot see your account status, so use your bank's official app or visit the branch to check. Ask your bank.

Full guide: Dormant Account Reactivation Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: SMS, email, phone call.

Questions