As of: February 26, 2024, 6:08 a.m
By: Cefina Gomez
Comments
Press
Split
Fraudsters are becoming more and more creative when it comes to stealing sensitive banking and credit information.
The police warn of a new method via WhatsApp.
Plau – The messaging service WhatsApp is ahead in all age groups.
According to the
Federal Network Agency
's 2023 consumer survey , usage rates in Germany are over 90 percent.
WhatsApp has been on the home stretch since 2009, but there is also criticism of the messaging service.
Despite its popularity, WhatsApp has also become a target for scammers.
With messages like “Hello mom, here is my new number, I lost my cell phone.” They cleverly try to impersonate family members in order to get sensitive credit card and banking information.
The police warn of this scam and advise caution.
Police report new scam in WhatsApp (symbolic photo).
© Britta Pedersen/dpa
WhatsApp scam: criminals pretend to be a close family member
According to the current press release from the
Ludwigslust police
, fraudsters cleverly rely on posing as close family members in order to deceive unsuspecting victims.
In addition to cash, criminals also target sensitive credit card and bank details.
A current case was reported in Plau on Monday.
The perpetrators initially contacted the victim via text message, posing as his biological son and using a new phone number.
Further communication took place via WhatsApp, where the alleged son asked for a money transfer, whereupon the victim transferred an amount of 900 euros.
The fraudsters then asked for a photo of the credit card.
When the perpetrators then asked about access for international payment transactions, the victim pricked up his ears, blocked the credit card and filed a police report.
Calls from unknown numbers are not uncommon, but there are some numbers you shouldn't answer.
WhatsApp scam: With these tips you won't give WhatsApp criminals a chance
In order to recognize fraud early on, it is important not to naively trust unknown numbers, as unknown people can always be hiding behind them.
“As a result, cash should never be transferred without checking,” emphasizes the police.
My news
21-year-old citizen's benefit recipient quits job after one day - because the workload is too high
Because of usury by a surveillance company: Court decides to ban parking lot rip-offs
Ban on stairwells and visitors: Landlady sets new rules on notice - read “More absurd with every sentence”.
Fraudsters steal sensitive bank details using WhatsApp – read police warning
Recall from Edeka and dm: Snack manufacturer makes mistakes in production
More money for public sector employees: This is how much salary there will be from March reading
If unexpected demands for money are received from unknown numbers, increased vigilance is required.
Those affected should not allow themselves to be put under pressure and should instead involve another family member.
It is advisable to check whether it is actually the supposed family member.
Targeted questions can be used to check whether this is the relative in question.
Additional contact via the supposedly old telephone numbers or social media accounts is recommended.
Most recently, the LKA in Bremen warned that people should also exercise caution when it comes to apartment advertisements, as fraud schemes are becoming more and more common with the help of AI.
(cg)