WhatsApp scam
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What’s wrong with that WhatsApp message?
We’re hearing about an increase in reports about scams where victims are targeted on WhatsApp by criminals pretending to be someone they know – typically their children.
Criminals usually begin the conversation with “Hello Mum” or “Hello Dad” and will say that they are texting 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 provide bank details for the payment to be made to, with some coming back with further demands for money.
Please be mindful of this scam.
- STOP. THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity
- You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions
- Never share your account’s activation code (that’s the 6 digit code you receive via SMS).
We have our own Fraud Protect Officer – PC Rachel Davies. If you or an organisation you are linked to would like a preventative fraud talk, please contact her via: [email protected]
If you have been a victim of fraud of cybercrime, report it at Actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.