SCAM WARNING

We are seeing an increase in reports of scammers using WhatsApp to send false messages from your loved ones asking for emergency cash. Fraudsters are pretending to be friends or family members in a crisis, who may be on a 'temporary number' and need money ASAP.

WhatsApp and the National Trading Standards are running a new 'Stop. Think. Call' Campaign and are urging people who receive messages like this to ask for either a voice note or phone call to confirm it is someone they know who needs help. 

While the message may sometimes be from an unknown number not in your contacts, cybercriminals are also able to use compromised accounts to send messages from your contacts' numbers. Even if you recognise the number texting you, ask for a voice note or give them a call to confirm the request is genuine.

If you have received a message from an unknown number claiming to be from someone you know asking for money, make a report to Action Fraud on their website or call 0300 123 2040.

For more information, you can read the Sky News article here: https://news.sky.com/story/whatsapp-users-urged-to-be-wary-over-friend-in-need-scam-12465434