The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has issued a warning regarding an ongoing scam where victims are targeted on WhatsApp by criminals pretending to be someone they know – usually their children or grandchildren.
- Criminals will usually begin the conversation with “Hello Mum or “Hello Dad” and will say that they are messaging from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged. They will then ask for money to purchase a new one, or claim that they need money urgently to pay a bill.
- The criminal will then provide bank account details for the payment to be made to.
- Action Fraud has confirmed that this scam has cost WhatsApp users £1.5 million this year.
How to protect yourself from fraud:
- Stop and think before making any payments or giving out personal and financial information, even if the message is from someone in your contacts.
- If a family member or a friend makes an unusual request via WhatsApp, always call them to confirm their identity. Use the number you already have for them.
- You can report and block messages. If you receive a message on WhatsApp from someone not in your contacts, WhatsApp will ask if you want to report or block them.
If you have fallen victim to fraud or cybercrime you should report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime
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