"Hi, mom, I have a new cell phone number." A new scam using messenger services such as WhatsApp starts like this. The messages go on to say that the old cell phone is broken or lost and the victim has a new cell phone number. Once the alleged victims have saved the supposedly new number, the fraudsters ask for money out of necessity. However, the transfer does not end up with the supposed children or grandchildren, but in the accounts of fraudsters. The CID therefore expressly warns against this new method, which is mainly spread via messenger services such as WhatsApp.
The Viersen crime prevention team has created a warning video about this new scam. It is suitable for posting in your own Messenger status or on social media, for example. This way you can warn your relatives and friends about the new scam. The Viersen police expressly welcome it if this warning video is shared and distributed widely in order to warn potential victims in good time. What is striking about this new scam is that it is not only older people who fall for it, but also younger generations. The scam is often only noticed when personal contact is made with the relative. The Kripo advises people to be suspicious if they are contacted in this way and to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not respond to these messages!
- Do not transfer any money!
- Ask at the old number!
- Inform your police!
Do you have questions about this or another scam? Viersen Crime Prevention will be happy to provide you with information and advice. Please contact us by telephone on 02162 377-0 or by email at Poststelle.Viersen [at] polizei.nrw.de.
Messenger fraud trap
LR ViersenCrime prevention warns against the scam using a messenger service.
