Experts in the UK are warning WhatsApp users about a persistent scam known as the “Hi mum” threat that continues to target unsuspecting individuals. This scam, which has already cost victims significant amounts of money, typically starts with a message appearing to be from a family member in need of financial assistance due to a lost phone. This tactic has proven to be quite successful for cybercriminals, making it important for users to remain vigilant.
To prevent more WhatsApp users from falling victim to this scam, Action Fraud has issued a reminder urging UK users to stay alert. The organization advises individuals to be cautious of messages from friends or family requesting urgent financial help and recommends verifying the identity of the sender through a call outside of WhatsApp for any unusual requests. Additionally, users are encouraged to block suspicious messages, report any potential scams, and contact Action Fraud if they have lost money as a result of such fraudulent messages.
The key advice remains consistent: refrain from responding to messages from unknown numbers, especially if they claim to be from a family member. Verifying the sender’s identity through a direct call is crucial in determining the legitimacy of the message and avoiding falling prey to scams.