04.11.2026, 14:56 (UK time)
VERDICT: FALSE – the request for a “vote in a ballet competition” is a scam. Its aim is to take over your WhatsApp account.
News
The consumer group Which? warned on 3 November about a WhatsApp scam. The message comes from a friend whose account may already have been taken over. It asks you to vote for a girl in a ballet competition. The link leads to a fake website of a supposed ballet school in Prague, which asks for your phone number and a code sent by text message.
Analysis
That code is actually the WhatsApp code for logging in on a new device. Whoever enters it links their account to the scammer’s phone. The scammer then writes to other people in the contact list – often asking for money. On the same day Which? also warned about a fake “British Gas” email about a supposed credit refund – the button leads to a copycat website.
What it means
No genuine competition needs a text-message code for you to vote. A verification code is like the key to your home – we do not give it to anyone, not even a “friend”.
Risk
Once the account is taken over, the scammer can see your group chats and can pretend to be you to family and friends. Older people and children are most at risk.
What to do
- Do not enter a text-message code on any website. Do not click the link.
- Call your friend or contact them another way and warn them that their account may have been taken over.
- Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp (Settings → Account).
- If your account has been taken over, log back in to WhatsApp and enter the 6-digit code sent by text or call – this will log the scammer out.
- Forward suspicious emails to [email protected] and texts to 7726. For your bank, call 159.
How to read this
We do not judge people who have been fooled – these messages are well prepared. Scammers change the story (a competition, a gift, a prize), but the pattern is the same: they ask for the code. If you are not sure – stop, ask, check.
Contact us
Have a question or need help in Polish? Email [email protected], use the live chat on our website or call 07508 267866 (Mon–Fri 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00, Sat 11:00–14:00).
Sources: Which? – latest scam alerts, 03.11.2026; National Cyber Security Centre
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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