Multiple incidents of scams on WhatsApp messenger has Dorset Police warning the public after people were tricked into sending money.
A recent string of WhatsApp scam messages have police issuing warnings after multiple people have been tricked into sending money to someone posing as a family member in need. The scammers seem to currently target older people who are more likely to have money and may not understand the dangers of online scams.
A woman from Bournemouth aged in her 70s received a WhatsApp message at 1.50pm on Sunday 3 October from someone claiming to be a family member who had their phone broken needed urgent help with money. The woman transferred the requested money to the listed bank account, thankfully her bank noticed the strange transaction and the money was returned to her.
Another incident took place on Friday 1 October when a man in his 50s was sent a message on WhatsApp claiming to be a family member and asking for money, the man was then asked to send money through a link to an invoice provided in a message.
Investigations Officer Martin Forder, of Dorset Police, said: “We would like to make the public aware of this scam and encourage anyone who has been a victim of a similar incident to please report it to Dorset Police and Action Fraud.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by scammers is asked to report it to Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101. Please also report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.