This is actually so concerning.
A warning has been issued about a new WhatsApp scam targeting mothers.
Fraudsters are contacting mums and pretending to be their children.
The new scam is one of dozens that have emerged in recent months.
WhatsApp users have been warned not to respond to unusual messages claiming to be from your kids.
The scammers start by texting the parent and claiming they lost their phone.
“Hi Mum, my phone isn’t working, please can you phone and text me on this number,” it reads.
The scam then asks the mum to make a payment on their behalf because they can’t access their online banking.
A sample text of the scam reads:
“Well mum, I can’t do my banking by my new phone number. I now have a payment that must be paid today at the latest.
“That’s now impossible because of the security checks linked to my old number.
“Might it be okay if you pay the payment until I get back into my banking? That’ll be on Friday.
⚠️ Scam Alert: 'Hi Mum, my phone isn't working, please can you phone and text me on this number'.
If you receive a WhatsApp from an unknown number with someone claiming to be a family member, be very careful!
Here's what to look out for 👇 pic.twitter.com/Rt1Jfa8SYa
— Which? (@WhichUK) January 23, 2022
Consumer rights organisation Which? has advised WhatsApp users to practice extreme caution.
They said: “Scam Alert: ‘Hi Mum, my phone isn’t working, please can you phone and text me on this number. If you receive a WhatsApp from an unknown number with someone claiming to be a family member, be very careful!”
This scan is scarily convincing and something we’d fall for easily.
Be sure to spread the word about this one, especially with mums.
If you receive a message similar to the one in the video the best thing to do is to delete it. Experts have urged people to never reply.
