4 August 2022, 15:19
Police and experts at Action Fraud are telling the billions of WhatsApp users to be extra vigilant.
A terrifying WhatsApp scam known as the ‘friend in need’ scam has claimed £1.5million from victims.
This shocking figure comes from Action Fraud UK, who said that the specific con was reported to them 1,235 times between February and June this year.
The scammers steal money by sending a WhatsApp text to someone claiming to be one of their friends or family members.
The text will often start with “hi mum/dad it’s me” and will come from an unknown number.
The scammers use several excuses to explain why they are texting from an unknown number, mostly that they are using a friend’s phone or that they have a new number.
The criminals then, while pretending to be someone’s child, parent, friend or partner, attempt to steal money from you by creating a false crisis they need money urgently for.
With over £1million stolen already, people are being told to directly contact someone over the phone or in person to verify if their WhatsApp request is genuine or not.
Once you confirm that the message has not come from your friend or family member, you should report the message on WhatsApp and block the number.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Mullish, of the City of London Police explains: “If you receive a message like this from a friend or family member, don’t send any money until you’ve had a chance to call them and confirm their identity.”
He adds: “Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.”
Action Fraud advises that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep themselves safe from fraud:
Click Here For The Original Source.
Recently, SEC Chair Gary Gensler issued fresh warnings about cryptocurrencies amid Bitcoin's surge to a…
Pay Dirt is Slate’s money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Athena here. (It’s anonymous!) Dear…
By Virma Simonette & Kelly Ngin Manila and Singapore14 March 2024Image source, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime…
Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and…
Reports of suicides, missing bodies, sexual kompromat and emptied bank accounts as fake sangomas con…
A South African woman has been left with her head in her hands after she…