WhatsApp has become an important communication channel for brands thanks to Business accounts and its channel feature — but this also creates an opening for scammers to open fake "customer service" numbers under your brand's name.
How do you report a fake channel?
- Go to the channel's page and open "Channel Info"
- Tap "Report" at the bottom and select "Impersonation / Fraud" as the reason
- For WhatsApp Business accounts, you can also apply separately through META's Brand Rights form
How do you report and block a fake number?
Users who receive messages from a fake number claiming to be your brand can open the chat and use "Report and Block" from the top-right menu. However, this only protects that one user — it doesn't protect your entire customer base.
Why is WhatsApp particularly risky?
Because WhatsApp messaging is one-to-one and private, a fake "customer service" line may reach dozens or even hundreds of customers before it's ever detected. WhatsApp's content moderation is also far more limited than on open social platforms, making proactive monitoring even more critical.
Achernar's Fake Account Tracking service continuously monitors for accounts and channels impersonating your brand, including on WhatsApp. If you're facing a similar threat on Telegram, see our Telegram content removal guide as well.