WhatsApp users urged to stay on high alert this week as money stealing scam resurfaces
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging services, with billions of users all over the globe. Whether it's to catch up with friends and family, or keep in the loop with changes at work, this Meta service is the go-to app for many smartphone users.
However, this service isn't just popular with everyday users, scammers and fraudsters constantly make WhatsApp a target for their crimes. With cyber crooks doing anything they can to try and steal your personal data, experts are wanting to make sure users of the popular messaging app are on high alert for any unusual messages.
Particularly, UK users are being warned about a highly popular and effective scam that frequently makes the rounds on WhatsApp. One of the easiest scams for criminals to pull off on unsuspecting victims is the infamous 'Hi mum' attack, reports the Express.
This scam starts off with a simple 'Hi mum' or 'Hi dad' message. If the user responds, then the scammer will usually start by saying that they have lost their phone and need money to buy a new one.
While many people may believe this scam is easy to spot, in the UK alone criminals have managed to steal hundreds of thousands of pounds from their victims.
According to recent stats from Santander UK, the most successful form of this scam seems to be when the fraudsters pretend to be someone's son. Pretending to be a daughter was the next most effective trick, which was followed by being a mum.
As this is such an effective scam, experts from Action Fraud have released a reminder to WhatsApp users on social media on what to do if they receive an unusual message from a 'family member'.
Posting on X, Action Fraud said: "Beware of fraudsters posing as friends or family, and claiming to need urgent financial help.
"If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity."
As well as being alert, Action Fraud is urging users to block any weird messages and report it if you believe it could be part of a wider messaging scam.
Action Fraud went on to explain: "Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select 'Report' and then follow the instructions.
"If you lost money as a result of the scam message, please report it to Action Fraud."
For those unsure about a message they have received, one of the easiest ways to verify the true identity of the person is to head to your contacts and phone the person who is supposedly messaging you from the number you have saved. You will quickly know if the message you received is a scam or not.
This isn't the only scam that Action Fraud is alerting social media users about. They are also urging people to stay alert when buying tickets for upcoming concerts. You are advised to make sure you are using official ticketing websites and to pay with your card instead of making bank transfers.
Scammers will also try to abuse the generosity of people by impersonating well-known charities or say they are raising money for a fake cause.
No matter what messaging service you prefer, everyone should make sure they are double checking messages they receive and reporting them if they feel like they are about to be scammed.
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