October 29th 2024.
Beware, criminals have set their sights on your inbox, and they're using WhatsApp to try and trick you. The latest scam to watch out for has just been exposed, and people are being urged to stay vigilant. Action Fraud has issued a warning about 'friend in need' scams, where scammers pretend to be a family member or loved one in desperate need of money.
This type of scam has been around for a while, but scammers are always finding new ways to deceive people. Now, there's even the possibility of voice scams using artificial intelligence to imitate someone you know. It's a scary thought, and it's just one of the many tactics these criminals are using to target unsuspecting victims.
But it's not just WhatsApp that's being used by scammers. Your text message inbox is also at risk. The Department for Work and Pensions has reported that scammers are posing as them and offering a 'living subsidy' with a link to apply. The Older People's Commissioner for Wales has even shared a screenshot of the fake message to warn others.
These scammers are getting more and more creative, so it's important to always be on guard. One red flag to watch out for is when someone asks for money immediately. This should always raise suspicion and prompt you to do some research before taking any action. In fact, Rhian Bowen-Davies' account warns against clicking on any links in these types of messages and urges people to report them to Action Fraud.
Speaking of Action Fraud, they have also advised people to be cautious if they receive a strange message on WhatsApp from someone claiming to be a family member or friend. They suggest reporting the message as spam or blocking the sender within WhatsApp. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to these scams.
Just this month, research from Citizens Advice has revealed the alarming scale of financial scams in the UK. Shockingly, one in five people have fallen victim to a scam in the past year alone. These scams can have devastating effects, with many victims having to borrow money or increase their debt just to get by.
One of the most common financial scams is the 'living subsidy' scam, where scammers pose as the government and offer a link to apply for a subsidy. However, there is no such benefit and the government would never use an exclamation mark in a message like this. It's important to always be skeptical and do your own research before clicking on any links or giving out personal information.
It's estimated that a staggering nine million people have been affected by various financial scams, including fake debt advice, pension scams, investment scams, and even parking QR code scams. These scammers are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people, so it's crucial to stay informed and be cautious at all times. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't let yourself become a victim of these heartless criminals.
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