WhatsApp users: Police caution about new and costly scam

WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app used by more than 2.5 billion people worldwide. Its popularity makes it attractive to scammers who are devising crafty means to dupe people of their money. Police have issued a warning to users to be on the lookout for a particular type of message, which at first glance appears genuine but is actually meant to steal from them.

‘Friend in need’ scam

One of the techniques used by scammers on the app is to send fake messages to their targets posing as a friend or a loved one. In the alert issued by the Hertfordshire Constabulary, con-artists pretend to be their potential victim’s son or daughter.

The messages usually start off with ‘Hello Mum’ or ‘Hello Dad’ and then proceed to claim that they’re reaching out on a different number because they had either misplaced their phone, or it was damaged or stolen, according to express.co.uk.

These scammers sound quite convincing if you engage with them for long, they will request financial assistance for a fake emergency. Derrick Sweeney, watch liaison officer with Hertfordshire Constabulary, wants WhatsApp users to be on high alert to these types of scams.

Our Victim Fraud Case Manager has alerted us to 28 reports during August where local residents have lost money after having been targeted on WhatsApp by criminals pretending to be someone they know - typically their son or daughter.

Outwit the scammers

According to the law enforcement agency, you can protect yourself by always calling any family member or friend who makes an unusual financial request on WhatsApp to verify their identity.

The scammers will craft their message in a way that sounds alarming but never be in a hurry to oblige them. Also, do not share your WhatsApp account’s activation code with anyone.

Read more:

⋙ You could soon be paying for exclusive features on Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram

⋙ WhatsApp: This is why some of your old messages could soon disappear

⋙ WhatsApp: You can now leave group chats quietly. Here's how