It has been reported that con artists behind ‘Hi Mum, Hi Dad’ WhatsApp scam are now using text messages to target victims, fraud expert warns – as figures reveal how Britons have been tricked into handing over £1.5million in just six months. Fraudsters are now using other avenues such as ‘traditional’ SMS and text messages in order to approach their victims, according to Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander UK.
The full story can be found here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11076553/Fraud-expert-warns-twist-WhatsApp-scam-Brits-tricked-1-5m-just-six-months.html
These scams are about coercion and manipulation of emotions. Individuals need to be careful about what they post on social media or share online, particularly when it comes to personal information that can easily be used for malicious purposes or to imitate a family member or close friend.
More importantly, when it comes to transferring money, it is vital to always double check where money may end up, or who you may be speaking to. Fraudsters often create intricate narratives that will make use of any publicly available information, whether that is the name of relatives, friends, or other details that might add credibility to their story and help them befriend their targets. As such, individuals must be weary of any texts from unknown numbers, always validate the source and never transfer any money unless 100% sure that it is going into the right hands.