Fake Government Grant Scams on WhatsApp
Fraudsters send WhatsApp messages impersonating government departments to claim the recipient is eligible for a grant, then demand application fees, bank details, or ID documents before the grant is never paid.
Part of: Fake Government Grant Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake government grant scams on WhatsApp exploit awareness of genuine assistance schemes — energy payments, small business grants, and cost-of-living support — by timing messages to coincide with real government announcements. The messages appear to come from official departments and include plausible-sounding reference numbers.
Because many people are genuinely uncertain whether they qualify for official schemes, the claim of an unclaimed grant feels credible rather than suspicious. The personal, direct nature of WhatsApp communication increases trust compared to a mass email.
How this scam works on WhatsApp
A WhatsApp message arrives from a number claiming to be a government agency, stating the recipient is eligible for a specific grant amount. To claim, they must tap a link and complete a short application, providing their full name, national insurance or social security number, date of birth, and bank account details for payment.
The link leads to a fraudulent website that mirrors official government branding. On completion, some victims are also asked to pay a small administration fee to 'process' the grant — a clear sign of fraud, as genuine government grants do not charge application fees.
Personal and financial data collected is used for identity fraud or bank account takeover. No grant payment is ever made.
Common red flags
- WhatsApp message from a government department informing you of an unclaimed grant
- Link to a site asking for your bank account details to receive the grant
- Request for a small administration or processing fee to unlock the payment
- Urgency framing — grant expires if not claimed within 48 hours
- Message not addressed to you by name, or using a different name than your own
- Government logo or branding on a website with a domain that does not end in the official government top-level domain
How to protect yourself
- Check whether a grant scheme exists by visiting the official government website directly — not via a WhatsApp link
- Understand that genuine government grants never require a fee to apply or receive payment
- Never provide bank account details via a site reached through a WhatsApp link
- Contact the government department directly using the number listed on their official website to verify the offer
- Block and report the sender immediately
- Report any fraudulent government website to your national cybersecurity authority
How to report it
- Report the WhatsApp number using the in-app 'Report' function
- Report the phishing website to your national cybercrime or government fraud reporting service
- File a fraud report if personal or financial details were submitted
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out if I genuinely qualify for a government grant?
Visit your government's official benefits, grants, or assistance portal directly — type the URL into your browser rather than clicking any link. Official grant schemes are listed on government-registered domains. You can also call the relevant government helpline to check your eligibility.