A money expert has raised alarm bells about a new version of the infamous 'Hi Mum' scam that targets unsuspecting individuals through text messages or WhatsApp. John Stirzaker, consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk, warns people to be cautious as scammers have now started using advanced fraudster tactics to make their ploys more convincing.
In this latest iteration of the scam, fraudsters pose as a son or daughter who has either lost or broken their phone and is in desperate need of help. They then request financial assistance from their target by asking them to send money. According to Stirzaker, these criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their approach by adding personal touches like kisses in messages and leveraging social media information for authenticity during conversations.
Stirzaker urges anyone who encounters such scams to report them immediately to Action Fraud – the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime – and contact their bank if any financial transactions were involved. He emphasizes that people should never share personal details over text messages, emails, or random phone calls.
Additionally, he suggests that friends and family members of older individuals or those more vulnerable to scams take proactive measures in ensuring their loved ones are protected from these fraudulent schemes. By raising awareness about such scams and providing guidance on how best to handle suspicious communications, we can all contribute towards safeguarding our communities against malicious actors looking for easy targets.