UK WhatsApp users get urgent new warning and told to 'follow instructions' immediately
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There's a fresh warning for UK WhatsApp users and it would be wise to take note if you don't want to find yourself seriously out of pocket. The latest alert comes from the team at Action Fraud and offers a stark reminder to be on the lookout for the infamous friends and family scam.
It's a tactic that has been used for a number of years by cyber crooks but it remains a dangerous threat that still catches many people out. If you've not heard of this trick before, then let us explain. It all starts with a simple message claiming to be from a friend or family member saying they are in trouble and in urgent need of help.
The chats often start with the phrase "Hi mum" with the scammers then asking for money to be transferred to an online account. It might seem like something most people wouldn't fall for but millions of pounds have been lost to these kinds of attacks over the past few years with some WhatsApp users handing over thousands before they realises anything is wrong.
Action Fraud says now is a good time to remind yourself of the dangers of online messages and to be on high alert. The team also says it's vital to know how to report any activity on accounts and to 'follow the instructions' issued by WhatsApp. "If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity.
