Fraudsters are continuing to prey on parents as the 'Hi Mum and Dad' scam spreads from Whatsapp to text messages. The scam sees people asked for money, usually by someone impersonating their children.
Action Fraud received 1,235 reports of criminals using the impersonation scam on WhatsApp between February and June this year, amounting to a total financial loss of £1.5m. And Which? says it has now seen evidence that scammers are using text messages to target victims.
One reads: "Hello mum, I’ve broken my phone and I’m using a friend's old one. I need to talk it's urgent can you text me on WhatsApp on my new number please."
It’s sent from 07726760652 which, according to the phone number search website Who Called Me, has been searched 179 times since August 28. Another version of this text reads: "Hi mum I’m texting you off a friend's phone I’ve smashed mine and their phone's about to die, can you WhatsApp my new number please."
Anyone receiving a suspicious text message should report it by forwarding it to 7726 before blocking the number. Those concerned they may have fallen victim to the scam should contact their bank straight away and report the scam to Action Fraud.
People can also report scam messages on WhatsApp by opening up the chat with the unknown number and selecting Block and Report.
