WhatsApp from my “child” with new number asking for money — what do I do?
WhatsApp parent-child fraud is one of the costliest scams in the Netherlands: (1) Pattern: “Hi mum my phone is broken, this is my new number. Can you transfer €X? Important, urgent!” (2) NEVER pay — not even on doubt. Call the original number of your child, or email/ask something only your real child knows (“what did we eat last Sunday?”). (3) Classic red flags: new number, urgency, “phone broken”, “can't call”, payment request via Tikkie or bank transfer to unknown account. (4) Already paid: call bank immediately (within 1h: ~70% back; within 24h: ~30%). Police report required for claim. (5) Report: 088-786 7372 Fraudehelpdesk + politie.nl. Damage 2025: €80 million, average €2,500 per victim, 80% elderly 60+. Save message as evidence, share with family as warning.
Step by step
- 1Don't react immediatelyWhatsApp from “child” with new number = big red flag. Don't react emotionally. Verify first. Screenshot.
- 2Verify via OLD channelCall your child on original number (even if they say phone broken). Email, SMS, Facebook. Ask something specific: “what did we eat Thursday at dinner?” — something scammer can't google.
- 3Confirmed scam: block + reportBlock WhatsApp sender. Report message (press > report). Report to Fraudehelpdesk 088-786 7372 for pattern data.
- 4If money already transferred: bankWithin 1 hour: bank fraud line. Request reversal procedure. Evidence needed: WhatsApp screenshots, transfer confirmation, own statement. Police report required for bank claim.
- 5Warn familyShare screenshot + warning with family, especially elderly (80% victims are 60+). Social media post: “To all my family: it's not a child, it's a scam.”
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
How do I spot it immediately?
Top-5 markers: 1) New number claim, 2) “Phone broken, can't call”, 3) Needs money now with urgency, 4) Unknown account number, 5) No time for verification. 3+ of these = 95% scam.
Can I reply via SMS?
Better not — scammer already knows your info. Call original number directly. Ask family elsewhere to reach child. Verification via independent channel (e.g. Facebook Messenger on old number).
Will I get my money back?
Fast reporting (<1 hour): ~70% chance. 1-24 hours: ~30%. After: rarely. Bank can reverse via SEPA-instant if receipt not finalized. Cash withdrawal by scammer (money mule): virtually never.
How many victims?
~32,000 reports in 2025, estimated >100,000 total cases (many unreported due to shame). Total damage: €80 million. Per victim: average €2,500, but €25,000+ also occurring. Risk group: 80% are 60+.
How do I teach elderly family to spot this?
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Can I claim damages from WhatsApp/Meta?
Not directly — WhatsApp is platform, not liable for scammer misuse (EU Digital Services Act art. 6). DO report via in-message reporting helps pattern detection. Damage claim only against actual scammer (usually unknown).
Sources
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