WhatsApp is perhaps the most common used messaging platform across the World. Even though there other messaging platforms like Signal, Telegram and others, the reliability of WhatsApp remains second to none. However, as more and more users join the WhatsApp platform, the frequency of scams has also increased. The recent scam on the platform is ‘friend in need’ scam and many users across UK have fallen prey to it.
As reported by Mirror, a research showed that half (59%) of people in UK have received a message based scam in 2020.
What is a ‘Friend in need’ scam?
In a ‘friend in need’ scam the fraudster sends a message to a person posing as friends and asks for help. In all cases, the fraudster asks the targeted person to send a certain amount. Without second thoughts, the targeted person sends the amount to the fraudster. Very often the fraudster claims to be a close friend or a relative of the victim. In some cases the fraudster asks for bank credentials (ATM/ Debit card), personal information or pin number.
How does the scam work?
The fraudsters use the hacked accounts of your friends so that they look as if they are coming from someone you know. It is also possible that the lost smartphone of a person can be used to send messages by scammers or fraudsters.
How to protect yourself from the scam?
Whenever you come across a message which asks you to pay money in order to help the sender, hold for a second and think. If the specific person is one who is quite close to you or you are fond of, then it is worth calling them. You call try a voice call/ video call on WhatsApp or a normal call to the person in distress, to check their actual situation. However, the primary steps to check the authenticity of the situation in cross check the style of message writing. You will definitely know the writing style of person who is close to you. The fraudster will write the message in a sight different pattern. Being cautious for a couple of minutes, before reacting to a message, will save you from a potential disaster.
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Ms Kalinga