Many new scams on WhatsApp they target the parents. Fraudsters try to impersonate children to extort money under the pretext of “helping” them.
Fraud, unfortunately, often works because it leverages the power of emotions and relies on a sense of urgency to get parents to make quick transfers. To defend oneself requires constant vigilance and caution.
WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app, can be a breeding ground for scams. Although there have been numerous frauds within the app in recent years, a relatively new type of scam has recently become rampant through which criminals target parents, exploiting their love for their children.
Beware of this WhatsApp scam targeting parents
This is an identity theft scam – in which scammers pretend to be someone else to extort money – which primarily targets parents.
A fake police officer calls the victim on WhatsApp and tries to extort money from him in exchange for help for his son, who has (falsely) ended up in trouble.
Why does the scammer call on WhatsApp? First, the call is end-to-end encrypted, meaning that no one other than the scammer and the recipient has access to the conversation.
Secondly, it is a way to legitimize the caller. Scammers often use profile pictures depicting individuals in police uniforms to create the illusion that they are indeed in authority, thus gaining the victim’s trust. In some cases, scammers can exploit personal information collected from social media or other sources, such as children’s names.
From extorted information to fear
The scammer then attempts to assert their legitimacy by “confirming” the recipient’s identity by asking if their child is nearby:
- If the child is close to the parent, the scammer may end the call, fearing a confrontation. For this reason, scammers target parents who are least likely to verify information, such as those who work full time.
- If the child is not present, the scammer can exploit the parent’s innate concern. And so he proceeds to falsely accuse the child of illegal activities (often related to cash theft) and criticize the parent for lack of supervision. The goal is to create a sense of urgency and panic, making the parent more susceptible to manipulation.
When the parent asks where the child is and the whereabouts of the caller, the scammer uses intimidation, yelling and threatening legal repercussions if his or her authority is questioned. This is intended to silence any doubts and push parents to act impulsively.
Following these threats, the scammers push for a quick resolution by demanding online money transfers to settle the alleged charges against the boy. This is where they attempt to exploit the panic and fear they have instilled.
An emotional parent can easily fall for the scam and pay the scammer immediately to get their child home. By the time the whole situation becomes clear, it is usually too late. The scammers have already fled without a trace.
How to avoid parental scam on WhatsApp
Awareness is the best way to defend yourself from these scams.
Therefore, pay attention to any suspicious signs. Police officers usually do not call on WhatsApp, especially from their mobile phones.
Try not to answer calls from unknown numbers, especially from those who want to talk to you about urgent matters or who claim to be part of a public office or an important company. Try to connect with your child before believing such statements coming from an unknown person.
Scammers often use fake profile pictures, especially those depicting authority figures such as police officers. Here too, be careful: these photos often hide inconsistencies or, more simply, they are strangely blurry images.
Don’t reveal sensitive details about yourself or your family members that could be used to manipulate you. Scammers are now adept at creating panic by claiming that a loved one is in trouble. Don’t rush into decisions that affect your money.
