Halton Trading Standards is warning of a WhatsApp scam, currently widely circulating and costing victims thousands of pounds.
Consumers are being targeted on WhatsApp by criminals pretending to be someone they know.
The scam starts by the consumer receiving a WhatsApp message from an unknown number stating something like “Hello Mum” or “Hello Dad”.
The messages will say that they are messaging from a new mobile number as their phone was lost or damaged and they will go on to ask for money to purchase a new phone, or claim that they need money urgently to pay a bill.
The scammer will then supply their bank details for payment.
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Martha Lloyd Jones, said: “If you receive messages like this, it is highly likely to be a scam.
“Do not reply and simply delete the message. “
If you or somebody you know has been caught out by a scam or fraud please contact one of our specialist officers, Linda or Sue on 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775, who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams.
