Safe Account Transfer Fraud Alert 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. Safe Account Transfer Fraud Alert Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A caller says your account is under attack and asks you to move your savings to a 'safe account' immediately. The account belongs to the scammer.

What safe account transfer fraud alert scam looks like on WhatsApp

• A message from an unknown number, often with a stock photo of a smiling person.
• A friend or relative asking for urgent money from a new number or a hacked account.
• A group invite promising returns, jobs or prizes.

The scammer begins by reading out a few details about you, such as your name, a bank name or the last digits of a card, to prove they know you. Then they describe a fake attack: a login from another country, a loan being applied for, or a large transfer in progress. They sound hurried and a little frightened, so that you feel you are in a race against the hackers.

Red flags to check on the WhatsApp message

• You are told to move money to a safe or temporary account.
• The caller says not to use the bank app or tell anyone.
• You must not hang up because hackers are listening.
• A loan or FD break is suggested to move more money.
• Someone asks for the six-digit code WhatsApp sent you by SMS.
• A new number says it is someone you know and asks for money; call the real person on the old number first.

What to do

1. Hang up. A bank will never ask you to move your money to another account.
2. Call your bank on the number printed on your card or passbook.
3. Check the account in the official app yourself.
4. If it was a "friend", call them on the number you already have and ask.
5. Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings so a stolen SMS code is not enough.
6. Warn the group or family, and report the number on Sanchar Saathi if it is a scam call or message.

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 1930 immediately and give the receiver account details and amount.
2. Call your bank on the number on your card and ask them to flag the transfer.
3. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the call log and transaction proof.
4. Do not take more loans or send more money to 'recover' the first amount.

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

Safeavio's Money Shield gives you a 'verify before you pay' checklist, trusted contacts and a family code word, so you can stop and ask someone before moving money on a caller's instructions. The scam check can review chat messages you paste. It does not block calls by itself, so hang up and call your bank on the number on your card.

Full guide: Safe Account Transfer Fraud Alert Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, SMS.

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