What’sApp scam message still spreading

Parents are being warned that the ‘Hi Mum/Dad’ WhatsApp is still lingering around.

The scammers claim to be a family member, very often your child, and will usually begin the conversation with “Hello Mum” or “Hello Dad”. They inform you that they are texting from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged and then proceed to ask you for money to purchase a new phone or for some help to pay a large unexpected bill.

The fraudster will then supply their own bank details for payment, and often keep coming back with requests for more money exploiting the emotional vulnerability of the situation.

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

You can report suspicious texts you have received but not acted upon, by forwarding the original message to 7726, which spells SPAM on your keypad.