How to Track a Scammer on WhatsApp

With over two billion users, WhatsApp is one of the most well-known chat apps in the world. Scammers love it because it's so popular, which is a shame. Phishing links, fraud, fake job postings, and dating scams are just some of the new tricks scammers use to trick people.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Scammer on WhatsApp

If you've been scammed or been called by someone sketchy, you may be wondering: Can I find an attacker on WhatsApp? Yes, to some extent, but only up to a certain point. Even though WhatsApp is end-to-end protected and doesn't show a lot of personal data, there are still ways to find proof, report the scam, and keep yourself and others safe.

Below is a useful list of steps you can take to find a scammer on WhatsApp.

1. Know how to spot a WhatsApp scam

It's important to make sure you're not working with a scammer before you start watching them. Some common warning signs are:

Unknown number texts
Wants to know your passwords, sensitive information, or one-time codes
Messages saying you've won something or will get something
Links to services that look suspicious
Needs for money or gift cards right away
Pretending to be a friend, family member, or government group

Take extra care if you've gotten texts like these. Also read our blog on: Top 8 Easter Sunday 2025 Greeting and Wishes

2. Gather all evidence and take a screenshot of it

If you think someone is trying to scam you, write down everything that happens. Print out pictures of:

The record of conversations
Number of calls and picture
Sending links or files
Wants or threats to pay money

You can use this proof if you decide to tell WhatsApp, the police, or even computer experts about the scam.

3. Look into Where the phone number came from

The phone number can still give you hints about the person even though WhatsApp doesn't show much about them.

Use tools like these online:

Truecaller
Download Sync.ME
Finding NumLookup

You can use these services to find out the number's country of origin, provider, and sometimes even a name. If the number is a VoIP or virtual number, that could be another red flag. Scammers often use these to hide their calls.

4. Type the number or content into Google

Scammers send out the same texts over and over again. You can look up the con artist's phone number or certain lines from their message on Google.

This is what you might find:

Others have reported the same scam.
Posts in forums or feedback sites
Scam number blacklists

This can help you find out if the person you're working with is a known scammer and let other people know about it.

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5. Look at the picture in your profile (Reverse Image Search)

Profile shots that are stolen or fake are often used by scammers. If they say they are someone else, look up their WhatsApp profile picture in reverse image search.

What you can use is

Photos on Google
SmallEye
Photos on Yandex

This might help you figure out where the picture came from in the first place. It's probably a fake name if it shows up in places that don't have anything to do with each other, like modeling resumes or social media accounts.

6. Use the Reporting feature in WhatsApp

You can report the account straight to WhatsApp if you're sure it's trying to scam or bother you:

Commence the conversation.
On top, tap the name or number of the contact.
Find "Report Contact" and tap it.
Block the contact if you want to.

If the number is reported in a way that breaks WhatsApp's rules, the number may be banned. This keeps the scammer from going after other people.

7. Let the police or Cyber crime units know about it

Don't use WhatsApp anymore if you've lost money or shared private information.

Most places let you report: To the local cops
On to a hacking section
Reporting theft through national services like the FTC in the US, Action theft in the UK, or Cyber Crime Portal in India

Give them the information you've gathered, the pictures, and your phone number. They can do a better job of investigating if you give them more information.

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8. Stay safe from scams in the future

After you've fixed the current problem, protect your account and stay away from scams in the future:

Go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification in WhatsApp and turn it on. Verification with two steps
Do not let anyone see your personal information or OTPs.
Be careful when clicking on links you don't know.
Talk to your family and friends, especially older people, about typical scams.
For extra security, think about using an app that blocks spam.

Can you find out exactly where a scammer is?

To be honest, no—not without formal permission. The public doesn't get access to WhatsApp users' IP addresses, GPS data, or other personal information. Police can only get this information from Meta, the company that owns WhatsApp, if they have a legal search or order.

So, you can help stop online scamming by getting proof and telling others about the scam.

Conclusion

You may not be able to figure out who the scammer is on your own, but these steps can help you get useful information, stay safe, and report the scam correctly. Criminals count on people not speaking out, but if you do something, you not only protect yourself, you also help warn others.

Have you met a con artist on WhatsApp? Tell other people about your story in the comments to help them stay safe.