Fraudsters are taking to text to utilise the "Hi mum" scam tactic where you pose as a loved one and then ask for money.
Experts at Which? have warned that they have found evidence about this move from WhatsApp to text and have shared some examples of this type of scam.
One reads: "Hello mum, My phone just broke. So you can delete that number and save this one”
Another read: “Hi mum I’m texting you off a friend's phone I’ve smashed mine and their phones about to die, can you WhatsApp my new number 07432555086 please x”
According to Consumer group Action Fraud, there were 1,235 reports of criminals posing on WhatsApp as loved ones between February and June of 2022, reports the Star.
Which? says 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.
If you get sent the scam on WhatsApp, WhatsApp Policy Manager Kathryn Harnett previously advised that people should secure their account by enabling the two-step verification.
She added that we should never share the authentication code or six-digit PIN code with others - including family and friends.
She told Which?: "And if you receive a suspicious message (even if you think you know who it’s from), calling or requesting a voice note is the fastest and simplest way to check someone is who they say they are."
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