Protect yourself from the latest WhatsApp scam
Who do people typically trust the most? Their family, and scammers are using this to prey on innocent victims on WhatsApp.
These impersonation scams involve the criminal pretending to be the victim’s child. The scammer will start a believable conversation and claim they’re using a new number because their phone has been lost or damaged. They’ll then ask the victim to transfer money for an urgent reason, such as an unpaid bill.
How to spot an impersonation scam:
- You unexpectedly receive a message from a number you don’t recognise, claiming to be a family member
- There is a sense of urgency in the messages; the scammer will try to convince you or pressurise you to pay quickly, before you have really had time to consider whether this is prudent
How to prevent an impersonation scam
- Do not engage in conversation with someone claiming to be a family member contacting you out of the blue from a number you don’t recognise
- Check you really are talking to your family member:
- WhatsApp or call your family member on the number you have for them
- If you are in conversation, ask the scammer a question only a family member would be able to answer.
- Under no circumstances transfer money.
How to report impersonation scams
- Report it to your mobile provider immediately
- Report the scam to Action Fraud, the reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland:
- Call 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm
- Use the Action Fraud online reporting tool
- Contact us via email at webfraud@alrayanbank.co.uk
- Contact the Police on 101, the non-emergency number