What'sApp Swindle

The "Hi mum" or "Hi mate" WhatsApp scam is a common family impersonation scheme where fraudsters use unfamiliar numbers to deceive individuals into sending money, often by claiming their phone has been lost or damaged.

How the Scam Works:

• The Approach: You receive a message from an unknown number with a generic, emotional greeting like "Hi mum," "Hi dad," or "Hi mate" to avoid using a specific name.

• The Story: The scammer claims their phone is broken or lost and that they are using a new, temporary number.

• The Urgency: They insist they are in an emergency, such as being unable to pay a bill, needing a new phone, or lacking access to their banking app.

• The Request: They ask for a bank transfer to a new account, usually belonging to a third party, not themselves.

  

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stop and Verify: Do not send money right away. Call the family member or friend on their original, saved number to confirm their identity.

• Ask a Private Question: Pose a question that only the real person would know the answer to, Grandmother's name or a memory you both share.

• Use a Family Password: Set up a family code word or phrase to confirm identities during emergencies.

• Ignore and Delete: If you receive an unsolicited message like this, delete it and block the number immediately.

• Check Privacy Settings: Adjust your WhatsApp settings so only contacts can see your profile photo or add you to groups.

What to Do If You Have Been Targeted:

• Report the Account: On WhatsApp, press and hold the message, select Report, and then choose Block.

• Contact Your Bank: If money has already been transferred, contact your bank immediately to report the fraud.

• Report to Authorities: Report the incident to Action Fraud (UK) or your local police (non-emergency number).

• Forward Suspicious Texts: Report scam text messages for free by forwarding them to 7726