Lloyds Bank has issued a warning about fraudsters who use WhatsApp to con users out of their hard-earned money. Analysis confirms that scams on the instant messaging app are up by 2,000 per cent in the past year.
Between 2020 and 2021, the number of scams reported has increased by 20 fold, with the average victim losing around £1,950. Lloyds Bank has issued some characteristics to be cautious of including messages that seem 'very personal', often using the pretence of a family member who has lost their phone. Scammers do not necessarily need your name as 'Mum' or 'Dad' may suffice.
Lloyds Bank said: "The story they tell can vary, but most often they will claim that because it is a new phone, they don’t have access to their internet or mobile banking account, and therefore they need urgent help with paying a bill."
