In recent years, cybercrime has been on the rise, and it has become more important than ever to stay vigilant and protect yourself from fraudsters in the UK. One of the latest scams to emerge in the UK is the ‘son-and-daughter’ WhatsApp scam, which has now taken on a new twist.
The ‘Son-and-Daughter’ WhatsApp Scam
The ‘son-and-daughter’ scam, also known as the ‘parent’ scam, is a form of fraud that targets innocent WhatsApp users in the UK. The scam involves impersonating a victim’s child or elderly parent who is in a crisis and needs cash urgently. The fraudsters pretend to be someone the victim knows, making it easier to trick the victim into sending money.
According to the latest stats, there has been a surge in these types of scams in the UK. In 2022, the UK’s Action Fraud reported a 43% increase in WhatsApp scams, with losses totalling over £23 million. The latest figures from UK Finance also show that over 5,000 mobile devices in the UK were infected with malware in the first half of 2022, resulting in £15.7 million being lost to cybercrime.
A New Twist
Fraudsters have updated their tactics and might use a technique known as ‘number spoofing.’ In this scam, a message appears to have been sent from a number saved in the victim’s phone, but fraudsters have used technology to disguise the display name, making it appear as if the message came from a trusted source.
One of the tactics used is to make it seem as though their message is part of an open text thread. This is achieved through a technique called ‘thread hijacking’, where the fraudster takes over an existing text conversation by posing as the person on the other end of the thread. By doing this, the fraudster makes their message appear as part of a legitimate conversation.
Thread hijacking is especially effective in the ‘son-and-daughter’ WhatsApp scam, where the fraudster poses as the victim’s child or elderly parent. By taking over an existing conversation, the scammer can create the illusion of urgency and familiarity, leading the victim to believe they are communicating with their loved one.
The Importance of Fraud Awareness and Prevention
Fraud awareness and prevention are crucial in today’s digital age. The UK has seen a rise in fraud in recent years, with more and more people falling prey. By being informed about the latest scams, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. It is essential to report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities immediately.
Banks and financial institutions in the UK offer their customers free cybersecurity software to combat cybercrime. For example, NatWest offers its customers MalwareBytes, a free cybersecurity software, to help them stay safe and secure online. Stuart Skinner, head of fraud protection, emphasises the importance of staying secure and investing in new fraud prevention tools.
Keeping Yourself Safe from Fraud
To protect yourself from fraud, it’s important to take several steps. Staying informed about the latest fraud prevention techniques is crucial, as is reporting fraud when it occurs. Using the latest security technology, such as cybersecurity software, can also help you stay safe online. It’s also important to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities, and be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or messages, especially if they ask for personal information.
If you receive a suspicious message, take the time to check its authenticity. Contact the sender using a different method, such as a phone call or email, to confirm if they sent the message. Enabling two-factor authentication for all accounts adds an extra layer of security. Mkaing it harder for fraudsters to access your accounts even if they have your password.
Keeping your software up-to-date is also essential. Installing the latest security updates for your devices and software can help protect you from cyber threats. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you create and manage strong passwords.
Finally, educating yourself about scams and how to spot them can help you avoid falling victim to fraudsters. By taking these steps, you can stay safe from fraud and protect yourself in today’s digital age.
