UK experts have issued a new warning for WhatsApp users, cautioning them about a prevalent scam known as the “Hi mum” threat. This scam, which has already led many unsuspecting individuals to lose significant amounts of money, involves cyber crooks posing as loved ones in need of financial assistance.
The modus operandi of this scam typically starts with a simple message, often beginning with “Hi mum” or “Hi dad,” followed by a conversation where the fraudsters claim to have lost their phone and request money for a new one. This deceptive tactic has proven to be highly lucrative for criminals, underscoring the importance of vigilance among all users.
To prevent more WhatsApp enthusiasts from falling victim to this scam, Action Fraud has issued a reminder urging users in the UK to stay alert. The organization advises individuals to be cautious of messages from purported friends or family members seeking urgent financial aid. They recommend verifying the identity of the sender by contacting them outside of WhatsApp for confirmation.
Action Fraud emphasizes the necessity of blocking suspicious messages and reporting any instances of falling prey to this scam. Users are encouraged to report spam messages within WhatsApp by selecting the ‘Report’ option and following the instructions. If money has been lost due to a scam message, victims are urged to report the incident to Action Fraud.
The key advice remains clear: refrain from responding to messages from unknown numbers. In case a message claims to be from a family member, it is advisable to verify their identity by contacting them through known channels to avoid becoming a victim of this fraudulent scheme.