Scammers are targeting UK WhatsApp users with a deceptive ‘friends and family’ scheme, posing as loved ones in need of urgent financial help. This longstanding threat involves fraudsters sending messages like “hi mum” or “hi dad” to trick individuals into sending money. Action Fraud has issued a warning to WhatsApp users to remain cautious.
The scam begins with scammers obtaining phone numbers through data leaks and then impersonating family members in distress. To avoid falling victim, Action Fraud advises users to verify the identity of the sender by contacting their loved ones directly through their usual numbers.
In addition to confirming identities, users are urged to block the sender and report any suspicious activity to Action Fraud. If money has been lost due to a scam, it is crucial to report the incident promptly.
Experts emphasize the importance of following three key WhatsApp safety rules: contacting individuals directly outside of WhatsApp for verification, blocking suspicious senders within the app, and reporting any financial losses to Action Fraud.
This cautionary advice follows a similar alert from security specialists who highlight the emotional manipulation tactics scammers use to exploit trust and urgency. Luis Corrons, a Security Evangelist at Norton, warns that these scams target the inherent desire to help loved ones in need.