Scammers are targeting WhatsApp users in the UK with a deceptive ‘friends and family’ attack, posing as loved ones in need of urgent financial help. This scheme, which often starts with messages like “hi mum” or “hi dad,” has been ongoing for years, resulting in significant financial losses for unsuspecting victims. Action Fraud has issued a warning to WhatsApp users to stay vigilant and cautious.
The fraudsters typically obtain phone numbers through data breaches and then impersonate family members, claiming they are in trouble and require immediate assistance. To avoid falling for these scams, Action Fraud advises users to verify the identity of the sender by contacting them directly through their known phone number.
In addition to verifying identities, users are urged to block suspicious senders and report any fraudulent activity to Action Fraud promptly. If money has already been lost due to a scam message, it is crucial to report the incident for further investigation.
Security experts have emphasized the dangers of these deceptive tactics, highlighting how scammers manipulate trust and emotions to exploit victims. The urgency and emotional appeal of such messages make them more potent than traditional malware attacks. Users are advised to exercise caution and follow the recommended safety measures to protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.