Scammers are targeting WhatsApp users in the UK with a deceptive ‘friends and family’ scam, posing as loved ones in need of urgent financial help. This long-standing threat has duped many individuals into sending money to fraudsters who exploit emotions and trust.
Action Fraud has issued a warning to WhatsApp users, advising them to be cautious of such fraudulent schemes. The scam typically involves receiving a message from a supposed family member asking for money due to a fabricated emergency, such as a stolen phone.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is recommended to verify the identity of the sender by contacting them directly through their known phone number. Additionally, users can block suspicious senders and report any fraudulent activity to Action Fraud, especially if money has been lost.
Security experts have emphasized the dangerous nature of these scams, highlighting how they manipulate trust and urgency to deceive individuals. The deceptive messages play on emotions, making recipients more susceptible to the scam’s tactics.
Staying vigilant and following simple precautions, such as verifying requests and reporting suspicious activity, can help protect WhatsApp users from falling prey to these fraudulent schemes.
