This form of online fraud is not new, but we have received more reports in recent days. In WhatApp fraud, the fraudsters pretend to be someone the victim knows, often a son or daughter.
First the scammer tries to make you believe that you are talking to a child, a parent or a close friend who is in trouble:
"Hi mum, here is my new mobile phone number. You can get rid of the old one. I can't call though, my microphone and sound are broken due to water damage."
Then the scammer tries to convince you to make some quick payments:
"I have a problem that I am very ashamed of. Can this stay between us? Because of the new number I can't use my bank app and I need to pay 3 bills very quickly. Could you help me? Tomorrow I will refund everything".
Then the scammer sends the necessary bank details or even a link with which you can make a payment.
What can you do?
Never pay based on a question you received via WhatsApp. Try to speak to your son, daughter or friend first or reach them via another channel (landline, e-mail, the 'old' mobile phone number). Then it will soon be clear that the question does not come from your loved one.
Have you already paid?
- Contact your bank and Cardstop as soon as possible.
- File a complaint with the local police.
The recent examples we received are all in Dutch.
