“Mom, my phone ended up in the toilet,” the text starts. This is immediately followed by the well-known request that this previously unknown number be saved and that “Mom” should send a message via WhatsApp.
“Hello Mom” – new edition
Even though the text no longer begins with the words “Hello Mom,” it is still the same scam.
If you follow the request in the SMS and send a message via WhatsApp to the child's supposedly new number, the actual intention quickly follows: an urgent transfer would have to be made, which would not be possible because of the change in cell phone.
This is exactly the time when you should call the previously known cell phone number that was supposedly buried in the toilet. It will quickly become clear that nothing has changed in your child's or grandchild's phone number and that these messages are an attempted scam.
Transferred money is gone!
If you do agree to the demands out of concern and willingness to help, you unfortunately have to assume that the money is lost.
If you have made a transfer, you should contact your bank as soon as possible. With a bit of luck, the transferred amount can still be retrieved. If this is no longer possible, we recommend reporting it to the police.
Be suspicious of messages from strangers!
If you receive a WhatsApp message from an unknown number where the sender pretends to be a daughter, son or grandson, you should be suspicious.
It is best to consider the following points:
- Ask personally if you are contacted by a previously unknown phone number via messenger services such as WhatsApp or by SMS.
- Don't just add unknown phone numbers as contacts.
- Be suspicious if you are asked to pay money via messenger services.
- Ask the supposed child something that only he or she can answer.
- Calls the child's previously used phone number.
- Addressing the child by a false name.
We have already warned about this scam in numerous articles ( HERE ), but never tire of continuing to do it when necessary.
This scam can also be found as an “ongoing topic” on the website polizei-praevention.de
Already read?
Beware of Internet acquaintances who demand money
Over 20,000 euros handed out to telephone fraudsters
Information security for grandparents
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )