A warning has been issued after people reported losing thousands of pounds to a WhatsApp scam.
Police from the Ellesmere Port branch of Cheshire Constabulary urged people to be vigilant after they have received reports of the 'Friend in need' WhatsApp scam.
In this con, fraudsters message random numbers claiming to be family or friends and allege they have had to get a new number as their phone was stolen or lost and then ask for money.
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The fraudsters will typically claim to be a family member and will usually begin the conversation with “Hello Mum” or “Hello Dad”.
They will say that they are texting from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged and will go on to ask for money to purchase a new phone, or claim that they need money urgently to pay a bill.
Fraudsters will then supply their bank details for payment, with some coming back with further demands for money.
Action Fraud claims criminals are successful in their approach as they are exploiting the emotional vulnerability of the public in an attempt to deceive victims
The ECHO previously reported how Michael Griffiths, from Ellesmere Port, nearly lost £900 thanks to a WhatsApp fraudster who used a similar template, until he asked one question.
Michael received a message from someone he believed to be his stepdaughter Sophie, who was asking for £989.
After swapping messages back and forth, the scammer was eventually rumbled by one question the 55-year-old asked.
This question was "what's your middle name Soph" to which the scammer questions why.
Michael added "So I know it's you Soph."
Following this, the fraudster stops their messages asking for money.
Action Fraud said in one instance, a victim reported paying almost £2,000 to someone they believed was their son after they received a WhatsApp message and another person paid £3,000 after falling for the scam.
Temporary Detective Inspector Craig Mullish, from the City of London Police, said: “If you’re contacted out of the blue from a number you don’t recognise but the person is claiming to be someone you know and are requesting financial assistance – stop and think as it could protect you and your money.
“These messages may appear genuine but your money could end up in the pockets of a criminal, so it’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests.
"Only criminals will try to rush or panic you. Try and reach out to the person directly by another form of communication to confirm that their request for help is genuine as it could be a scam.”
How to protect yourself
- If you receive a similar message that’s asking you for money, speak with the person over the phone to verify they are who they say they are.
- You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.
Action Fraud advises that the public follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign to keep themselves safe from fraud.
- Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
- Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
