You can report scam messages on WhatsApp by opening up the WhatsApp chat with the unknown number and selecting Block and Report.With the introduction of UPI, it has become easier than ever to send and receive money. If you're concerned you've given money to a possible scam, contact your bank straight away and report the scam to Action Fraud. If you receive a suspicious text message, you can report it by forwarding it to 7726 before blocking the number. Have you been affected by the scam? Let us know in the comments section How to report a scam

WhatsApp has warned that its users should ensure that two-factor authentication is set up on their account and never to share their six-digit pin code with others. If you receive a message like this don't be tempted to transfer money immediately, enquire further by asking who specifically it is by name and by calling them or asking for a voice note. The bank details they give will probably not match those of your loved one and it's likely the scammer will tell you it's because they can't access their bank account. The fraudsters will mostly go on to ask you for money by pointing out an imaginary difficult financial situation they’re in and playing on the close relationship you have to the person they’re impersonating.

The message will typically start with saying the sender has lost their phone, it's damaged or they can't access it. I need to talk its urgent can you text me on WhatsApp on my new number please.' This came from 07726760652.Īnother example came from 07593295452 and read: 'Hi mum I’m texting you off a friends phone I’ve smashed mine and their phones about to die, can you WhatsApp my new number please.' One version of the scam reads: 'Hello mum, I’ve broken my phone and I’m using a friends old one. So far, there have been two examples of the scam moving over to text messages from WhatsApp. There have also been cases where fraudsters managed to access chat history and continued ongoing conversations to appear more convincing. Which? first became aware of this scam at the end of 2021 when a victim told them that a fraudster impersonating his sister had a convincing conversation with her which led to her transferring money for 'car repairs'.

Beware of the 'hi mum' scam (Image: Which?)

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