Fake parcel notice
An SMS claims a parcel is waiting for a "small fee" or an address update. The link leads to a fake site that steals your card details and identity. Real carriers never ask for payment by SMS.
Common WhatsApp, SMS, Messenger and Telegram scam types
The same patterns circulate on WhatsApp, Email, Instagram, Facebook, SMS, Messenger, Telegram, LinkedIn and Discord. Learning to spot them is already 80% of the protection.
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Fake lottery / prize
"Congratulations, you've won!" You're then asked for processing fees or bank details to "unlock" the prize. You never entered — it's a scam.
Fake urgency
A message pushing you to act fast: "your account will be blocked", "confirm within 24h". Fear stops you from thinking clearly. Always take time to verify through another channel.
Fake financial aid
Government grant, COVID relief, a gift from a wealthy stranger… you're asked to pay "fees" before receiving the money. Nobody sends free money in exchange for an upfront payment.
Mobile money scam
Fake Orange Money, MTN, Wave or Moov SMS: "you received X, confirm with your code". Never share your PIN. No carrier ever asks for it.
Job offer scam
An offer that's too good, high pay with no experience needed, interviews only on WhatsApp. Eventually you're asked for "training fees" or your ID. A real employer never asks for money.
Romance scam
An attractive stranger contacts you, gets very close within days, then has a "problem" and needs money. Never send money to someone you've never met in person.
Impersonation (bank, carrier)
The message impersonates your bank, carrier or a public service and asks for your password, OTP code, or a click on a link. These organizations never send this kind of request by message.
Email scam (phishing)
A fake email from a bank, courier or tax office, with a link to a fake login page or a booby-trapped attachment. Always check the sender's full email address.
Instagram scam (DM)
Fake investments, fake giveaways, fake influencers or romance scams in private messages. It always ends with a request for money or a code sent by SMS.
LinkedIn scam
Fake recruiters, offers that are too good, training fees to advance, or requests for your ID and bank details. A legitimate employer never asks a candidate for money.
Discord scam
Fake free Nitro, fake verification bots, booby-trapped QR codes: these scams mainly aim to steal your account and then target your friends.
Fake delivery SMS
Chronopost, Colissimo, DHL: an SMS claims a parcel is stuck and asks for a small payment via a link. Real carriers never ask you to pay by SMS.
Wave scam (Ivory Coast)
Fake winnings, fake refund or fake app update: fraudsters are after your PIN code or want you to install a fake app. Wave never asks for your code.
Orange Money scam (Senegal)
A fake customer service call, a fake refund, or an attempt to steal your PIN: never share your Orange Money OTP, even with a so-called agent.
Mobile money scams in Africa
Wave, Orange Money, MoMo, MTN, Airtel Money: the same patterns repeat across French-speaking Africa. Never share your PIN or OTP codes.
WhatsApp unknown number
A stranger messages you on WhatsApp pretending to be a relative, coworker or service. Be wary of any request for money or a code.
OTP / SMS code scam
You're asked for the 6-digit code you just received. It's the key to your accounts: never share it, no matter what reason is given.
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