A new scam 'Hi Mum' targeting WhatsApp users for money
By MYBRANDBOOK
In a recent scam fraudsters are targeting victims on WhatsApp text. This scam is called 'Hi Mum' or "family impersonation". Imposing close friends or family members, they contact the family members and tell them that they need help as they have lost or damaged their phone, and are trying to contact them with a different number. Once the victims fall prey to their texts, they ask them to send money. According to a report, Many Australians have fallen victim to this new scam and have lost over $7 million (around Rs 57.84 crore).
According to reports, the scammer will contact victims on WhatsApp and will claim they have lost or damaged their phone and are making contact with a new number. Once they develop trust with the victim they ask for personal information such as photos for their social media profile or money to help urgently pay a bill to someone or to replace the phone.
They will further justify the need for funds by saying that they can't access via their cards as the online banking is temporarily closed or showing errors.
The report further cites that the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC) has noted a significant rise in 'Hi Mum' scams and more than 1,150 people fell victim to the scam. Reportedly, people lost around $2.6 million, around Rs 21 crore, in the past few months. In 2022 alone, $7.2m (Rs 57.84 crore) was stolen from at least 11,100 victims. And most cases of scams are reported by women who are above the age of 55.
The Australian authorities have urged citizens to verify the source of contact before transferring money via suspicious messages.
While this case was reported in Australia, it should be taken as a call, a warning by Indians too. India is also reporting a significant increase in cyber fraud in the last few years. Recently, a businessman from Delhi was tricked and around Rs 50 Lakh was cleaned from his several bank accounts. Many cases of SIM swapping, QR code scams, and phishing links have been going viral. So the only way to be safe from these cyber frauds is to take precautions and be aware.
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