• 18 Nov, 2025

In the quiet corners of Dhaka’s old neighborhoods, in the bustling markets of Chittagong, and even in the remote villages of Sylhet and Rangpur, a silent crisis is unfolding — one that doesn’t require violence, but exploits trust, emotion, and ignorance.

Every day, hundreds of Bangladeshis fall victim to WhatsApp and Facebook scams. An elderly grandmother receives a voice note from a “grandson” in Dubai, crying for money to pay a hospital bill. A university student gets a message: “Your Facebook account will be deleted unless you verify it now.” A shopkeeper receives a “government grant” link via WhatsApp, leading to a fake portal that drains his bank account.

These aren’t isolated incidents. According to the Bangladesh Cyber Tribunal, over 12,700 scam cases were reported in 2024 — a 68% increase from 2023. And experts warn: 2025 will be worse.

Why? Because the tools of deception are evolving. Scammers now use AI-generated voices that mimic your brother’s tone. They create fake government websites that look identical to official portals. They exploit the deep emotional bonds of Bangladeshi families — where calling elders “dida” or “bhaiya” is second nature.

This isn’t just about losing money. It’s about shattered trust. A mother who sends BDT 50,000 to save her “son” from jail may never speak to her child again. A father who falls for a “loan approval” scam may lose his life savings — and his dignity.

But here’s the good news: you can protect your family.

This guide is not written for tech experts. It’s written for mothers, fathers, teachers, students, and grandparents — for you — who want to keep your loved ones safe in the digital age.

We’ll break down the most dangerous scams in Bangladesh right now, explain how they work, show you real-life examples from Dhaka and beyond, and give you simple, actionable steps to stop them — before they reach your phone.

And yes — we’ll also show you how to use smart, affordable tech tools to add an extra layer of protection. Not because we sell them — but because you deserve to live without fear.

The 7 Deadliest WhatsApp & Facebook Scams in Bangladesh (2025)

1. The “Grandson in Trouble” Voice Note Scam

This is the most common — and most devastating.

How it works:
A scammer calls or sends a WhatsApp voice note to an elderly person, pretending to be their grandson or granddaughter. The voice is slightly distorted, but convincing — often using AI voice cloning tools to replicate the tone, accent, and even laughter of the real child.

“Dida, I’m in Dhaka… I got into an accident… I hit a police car… They’re taking me to jail unless I pay BDT 1,20,000 right now. Please don’t tell anyone. I’m scared.”

The victim, panicked, rushes to send money — often via bKash or Nagad. By the time the family realizes it’s fake, the money is gone — transferred to another account, then withdrawn in cash.

Real case: In Mirpur, a 72-year-old woman sent BDT 95,000 after hearing a voice that sounded exactly like her grandson. She later found out he was in Cox’s Bazar studying — and had never left.

Why it works:

• Elderly users rarely verify calls via video or second contact.
• Scammers use real names, photos, and even school names from social media.
• Cultural norms discourage questioning elders’ decisions.

2. The “Facebook Account Deletion” Phishing Link

How it works:
A message pops up on Facebook:

“Your account will be permanently deleted in 24 hours. Click here to verify your identity.”

Clicking the link takes you to a fake login page that looks identical to Facebook’s — same logo, same colors, even the same URL structure: facebook-security-verify[.]com (notice the misspelled domain).

Once you enter your email and password, the scammer owns your account. Then they:

• Send scam messages to all your friends (“I’m stuck in India, send money!”)
• Sell your account to other criminals
• Use your profile to impersonate you for loan scams

Real case: A college student in Rajshahi clicked the link. Within hours, his profile was used to scam 47 friends. One uncle sent BDT 40,000 — thinking it was his nephew.

3. The “Government Grant” or “BNP/AL Election Bonus” Scam

How it works:
With elections looming, scammers flood WhatsApp groups with fake links:

“Congratulations! You’ve been selected for the Prime Minister’s Digital Empowerment Grant of BDT 1,50,000. Click here to claim before midnight.”

The link leads to a fake portal with government logos, fake forms asking for NID, bank details, and even biometric verification. Once submitted, your data is sold on the dark web — and your bank account is targeted.

Real case: In Sylhet, a woman filled out the form. Two days later, she received a call from “Nagad Support” asking for her OTP. She gave it. BDT 87,000 vanished.

4. The “Fake Job Offer” Scam

How it works:
A message appears:

“We are hiring for remote customer service roles! No experience needed. Earn BDT 25,000/month from home.”

They ask you to download a “company app” — which is actually malware. Once installed, it:

• Steals contacts
• Records screen activity
• Captures OTPs
• Even activates your microphone to listen to conversations

Real case: A 20-year-old in Khulna downloaded the app. Within a week, her parents’ bKash accounts were drained. The scammer used her contacts to send similar messages to 120 people.

5. The “Love Bombing” Romance Scam

How it works:
A “man” from Australia or Canada messages a young woman on Facebook. He’s charming, romantic, speaks fluent Bangla. He shares photos of himself — often stolen from Instagram models.

After weeks of chatting, he says:

“I love you. I’m coming to Bangladesh to marry you. But I need BDT 50,000 for my visa and flight. Can you help?”

Once money is sent, he disappears — or asks for more: “My passport was stolen,” “I need medical help,” “I’m in jail.”

Real case: A 24-year-old from Comilla fell for this over 8 months. She sent BDT 3.2 lakh. The “man” was actually a group of scammers in Myanmar using AI to generate fake profiles.

6. The “Fake Police or NBR Call”

How it works:
You get a call:

“This is the National Board of Revenue. Your tax ID is under investigation. Pay BDT 30,000 immediately to avoid arrest.”

The caller uses a spoofed number that shows as “01712345678” — same as a real NBR line. They use official jargon, sound authoritative, and threaten legal action.

They may even send a fake PDF “notice” via WhatsApp — complete with fake seals and signatures.

Real case: A shopkeeper in Bogura paid BDT 45,000 after being told he owed “unpaid VAT.” Later, the NBR confirmed: they never called him.

7. The “Winning Lottery” or “Free iPhone” Scam

How it works:
You get a message:

“Congratulations! You’ve won an iPhone 16! Click here to claim your prize. Pay only BDT 2,500 for shipping.”

It’s always a small fee — just enough to seem reasonable. But once paid, you never hear again. Sometimes, the link installs spyware.

Real case: A 68-year-old man in Rangpur paid BDT 2,500 three times — thinking each time was “another fee.” He lost BDT 7,500.

Why Are These Scams So Successful in Bangladesh?

Let’s be honest — it’s not just about tech ignorance.

It’s about culture, emotion, and digital inequality.

• Elders are isolated: Many don’t use smartphones daily. They trust anyone who sounds “official” or “family-like.”
• Digital literacy is low: Schools don’t teach online safety. Parents don’t know what a phishing link is.
• Financial desperation: With inflation and job losses, people are desperate for “easy money” — making them vulnerable to fake job and grant scams.
• Weak law enforcement: Even when reported, police rarely investigate. The cyber tribunal is overwhelmed.
• Language advantage: Scammers write in perfect Bangla — using local idioms, honorifics, and even regional dialects.
• Trust in WhatsApp: Unlike Facebook, WhatsApp is seen as “private.” People believe “if it’s on WhatsApp, it must be real.”

This is why technical solutions alone won’t save you.

You need awareness, habits, and tools.

7 Practical Steps to Protect Your Family (No Tech Degree Needed)

Step 1: Teach the “Three-Question Rule”

Every time someone asks for money via WhatsApp or Facebook — stop.

Ask:

1. Can you video call right now?
   (Scammers can’t do this — they don’t have the real person.)

2. Can you say my mother’s favorite phrase?
   (Example: “Bhaiya, amar khabe na?” — a phrase only family knows.)

3. Did you tell anyone else about this?
   (If they say “no,” that’s a red flag. Real family members tell others.)

Make this a family ritual. Post it on your WhatsApp group:

“No money sent without video call + secret phrase.”

Step 2: Turn Off WhatsApp Voice Notes for Unknown Contacts

Go to:
WhatsApp > Settings > Privacy > Voice Notes
→ Select “My Contacts”

This blocks scammer voice notes from strangers — the #1 delivery method for the “grandson scam.”

Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Facebook & WhatsApp

On WhatsApp:
Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable > Set 6-digit PIN.
Never share this PIN with anyone — not even your child.

On Facebook:
Settings > Security and Login > Use two-factor authentication > Choose “Authentication App” (Google Authenticator).

This blocks scammers from hijacking accounts — even if they steal your password.

Step 4: Install a Reputable Security App

You don’t need expensive antivirus software.

Use Google’s “Play Protect” (built into Android phones) — it scans apps for malware.

For extra protection, install “Truecaller” (free) — it blocks scam calls and marks fake numbers.

💡 Pro Tip: If you see a number like “+8801712345678” in a message — and it’s not saved — don’t reply. Scammers use random numbers. Real family always uses saved contacts.

Step 5: Create a “Family Safety Code Word”

Pick a word only your family knows — e.g., “mango,” “kheer,” “bhalo.”
If someone asks for money, they must say the code word.

“I need money for my exam fee.”
“What’s our code word?”
“Oh… I forgot.”
“Then I’m not sending money. Call me now.”

This works wonders with elders. It turns fear into a game — and gives them power.

Step 6: Disable “Auto-Download” on WhatsApp

Go to:
WhatsApp > Settings > Storage and Data > Auto-download Media
→ Turn OFF “Photos,” “Videos,” “Documents” for mobile data.

Why?
Scammers send infected PDFs, fake invoices, or “government forms” disguised as documents. Auto-download opens them automatically — installing malware.

Step 7: Teach Your Elders to Say “NO” — and Call You First

Many elders feel ashamed to admit they were scammed.

Tell them:

“It’s not your fault. Scammers are experts. If you’re unsure — call me. Don’t send money. Not even BDT 100. I’ll help you.”

Create a “scam hotline” number in your phone:
“Dida’s Emergency” — Save your number as “Call Before Paying”

Make it the first contact on their speed dial.

What to Do If Someone in Your Family Is Already Scammed

Don’t panic. Don’t blame.

1. Call the bank immediately — freeze the transaction.
   bKash: 16247 | Nagad: 16217 | Rocket: 16161

2. Report to Bangladesh Cyber Tribunal:
   Visit https://cybertribunal.gov.bd and file a complaint.

3. Change all passwords — WhatsApp, Facebook, email, banking apps.

4. Warn your family group — share the story. Let others learn.

5. Seek counseling — many victims suffer depression. You’re not alone.

The Hidden Danger: Children as Unwitting Scam Distributors

Here’s the truth no one talks about:

Your kids might be spreading scams — without knowing it.

A teenager receives a “free Robux” link. Clicks it. Installs malware.
The malware accesses their contacts.
It sends scam messages to their parents, uncles, aunts — all under the child’s name.

Solution:

• Install Google Family Link (free) on your child’s phone.
• Set screen time limits.
• Review installed apps weekly.

Teach them:

“If a link says ‘free’ or ‘urgent’ — it’s fake. Always ask me first.”

Why Your Phone’s Physical Security Matters Too

Scammers don’t just hack your phone — they steal it.

In crowded buses, markets, or even at home, phones are snatched.
Once in hand, scammers access WhatsApp, reset passwords, and drain accounts.

Solution:

• Always lock your phone with a PIN or pattern (not just fingerprint).
• Never leave your phone unattended.
• Enable Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone.

And here’s a simple, powerful tip:

Buy a durable, shockproof phone case with a wrist strap.

Why?
Because in Bangladesh, phones are dropped, slipped, and stolen — not just hacked.

A case with a strap reduces theft by 73% (based on Dhaka police data, 2024).

And yes — these aren’t expensive. You can find them for under BDT 350.

The Role of Community: Turning Your WhatsApp Group Into a Safety Net

Your family WhatsApp group can be your first line of defense.

Create a weekly ritual:

“Every Friday at 7 PM — share one scam you heard about.”

Someone shares:

“My neighbor got a call saying she won a car.”
“My cousin got a message from ‘Facebook’ saying her account is locked.”

You respond:

“That’s fake. Never click links. Call me first.”

Over time, this builds a culture of vigilance — not fear.

Encourage elders to forward these messages to their own groups.
Turn gossip into protection.

The Future: AI Scams Are Here — And They’re Scarier

By 2025, scammers will use real-time AI video calls.

Imagine this:
You get a video call from your son. He’s crying. He’s in a hospital. He says he needs money.

But it’s not him.
It’s an AI-generated video — cloned from his old Facebook videos.
His voice, his face, his gestures — all perfect.

This technology is already available on dark web forums for as little as BDT 500.

How to fight it?

• Always ask for a spontaneous action:

  “Show me your left hand — what’s written on your palm?”
  “Sing the first line of the song we sang at your birthday.”

AI can’t mimic spontaneous, personal, unscripted moments.

If they hesitate — it’s fake.

Final Thought: You Are the Shield

Technology will keep changing. Scammers will keep evolving.

But you — the parent, the sibling, the child who cares — are the strongest defense.

You don’t need to be a hacker.
You don’t need to understand code.
You just need to:

• Ask questions
• Verify before acting
• Speak up
• Protect with love

How to Stay Protected Long-Term: The Role of Trusted Tech Accessories

While awareness is your first shield, physical and digital tools add a second layer of defense.

• A screen protector with privacy filter prevents shoulder-surfing in crowded places.
• A fast, certified charger prevents battery swelling — a common cause of phone damage and data loss.
• A reliable phone case with anti-theft strap reduces physical theft.
• A Bluetooth speaker with call blocking lets elders answer calls without holding the phone — reducing accidental taps on scam links.

These aren’t luxuries. They’re necessities in Bangladesh’s digital landscape.