The “Disappearing Photo” Scam
A new WhatsApp scam is targeting users with a simple trick: a disappearing photo sent by a stranger.
How the scam works
The scam starts when you receive a notification about a photo or video marked with WhatsApp’s “view once” icon. The message comes from an unknown number, often with a French or other foreign prefix.
If you open the image, it may contain intimate or sexual content. The scammer first pretends the image was sent by mistake, giving them an innocent reason to start a conversation.
Then the story changes. The scammer claims that you have viewed inappropriate or private material and uses the accusation to threaten you, demanding money to prevent you from being reported to the police.
Don’t panic. The threats are part of the scam. Simply receiving or viewing an unsolicited message does not mean you have committed a crime.
How to report the scam
If you receive this type of message, report and block the sender on WhatsApp.
To do this, open the conversation, tap More → Report, then choose the option to block the number as well. WhatsApp says that reporting sends the sender’s most recent messages to WhatsApp for review. (WhatsApp Help Centre)
Before deleting the conversation, take screenshots of the messages, threats, phone number and any demand for money. These may be useful as evidence.
If the scammer threatens you or demands payment, you can also report the online blackmail to French authorities through THESEE, the official platform for reporting certain online scams and cybercrime. You can also file a complaint at a police station or gendarmerie. (Service Public)
Most importantly: don’t pay, don’t negotiate and don’t continue the conversation.
What should you do?
- Don’t open disappearing photos or videos from unknown numbers.
- Stop replying if the sender begins making threats or demands for money.
- Take screenshots of the messages and the sender’s number as evidence.
- Block and report the account immediately.
- Never send money in response to threats.
The key rule is simple: if a stranger sends you a disappearing photo on WhatsApp, don’t click it. Block and report the sender instead.