WhatsApp Scam in Morocco: Fraudsters Impersonate Relatives to Steal Money

Cybersecurity experts are warning about a new WhatsApp scam targeting Moroccan users since early September 2026, in which fraudsters impersonate family members and close friends to convince victims to make urgent money transfers.

How does the scam work?

Fraudsters rely on two main methods. The first involves hacking the potential victim's Google account and changing the phone number linked to a specific contact in the address book while keeping the name and photo unchanged. After syncing, the familiar identity appears on WhatsApp, while messages actually come from a number controlled by the scammer. The second method involves directly taking over the victim's WhatsApp account, or fraudulently linking a new device to it, then contacting the victim's contacts while impersonating them to request urgent money transfers.

A documented case reveals the scale of the risk

A video that went viral on social media documented the case of a man who received a message that appeared to be from his wife asking him to urgently transfer money. The unusual wording of the message prompted him to call her directly, and she confirmed she had sent nothing, with no trace of the conversation found on her phone. Several other users reported similar experiences on social media in recent days.

What do experts say?

Cybersecurity expert Amine Raghib publicly analyzed the mechanics of this scam on social media to warn users. Meanwhile, Meta, which owns WhatsApp, strengthened its protection measures in March 2026 by adding alerts for suspicious attempts to link new devices to an account. No official figures on the number of victims or the scale of financial losses from this scam in Morocco have been released so far.

How to protect yourself

Cybersecurity experts recommend enabling two-factor authentication on your Google account, reviewing the list of devices linked to the account and disconnecting any unknown ones, and changing your password as soon as a breach is suspected. It is also advisable to verify any urgent or unusual financial request by calling the person directly on their usual number before making any transfer, no matter how convincing the message seems.

This scam comes amid a rise in digital fraud schemes exploiting trust between relatives and friends, making vigilance and prior verification the first line of defense for digital app users in Morocco.