Criminals pose as UNICEF and fake donations or profits, warns our cooperation partner Watchlist Internet . In reality they want to steal your money! Don't answer and block the number!

Attention: Criminals contact you on WhatsApp and promise you a Covid-19 grant. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet
Attention: Criminals contact you on WhatsApp and promise you a Covid-19 grant. / Screenshot Watchlist Internet

What's in the message?

The criminals randomly contact WhatsApp users and pretend to be UNICEF. Apparently you receive a COVID-19 grant of 50,000 euros. You will be prompted to respond. The message is as follows:

Good sir/madam. Welcome to our BNP Paribas Bank in partnership with UNICEF. I have received a letter from the UNICEF Secretariat to transfer you 50,000 euros as a grant for the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Are you ready to go through the rest of the procedures to receive your donation?

If you don't answer, the criminals will write again:

You have to respond to follow the bank's logic to get your money

Ok, I think you were afraid of the UNICEF donation and don't trust it at all. I just explain to you that it is a global organization that can never betray people. The work we do in partnership with UNICEF is one of the Ministry of Economy and […].

If you continue to ignore the criminals, they will also contact you on messengers such as Telegram or Signal, if available.

What happens if I answer?

When you respond, you will be asked for a copy of your ID and personal information (name, address, telephone number, signature, account number, etc.). You will then be asked to transfer a certain amount of money - supposedly for legal fees, contract creation fees, transaction costs or insurance fees. You are assured that you will get the money back. When you transfer, you will continue to be asked for money. However, the supposed subsidy is never paid out!

Why am I receiving fraudulent messages?

Your phone number was probably published in a data leak and ended up in the hands of criminals. It is likely that you will continue to receive fraudulent messages or calls in the future.

Unfortunately, you cannot prevent fraudulent contact attempts. However, you can and report user .

I have transferred – what can I do?

  • Stop replying or transferring money.
  • Don't let criminals put pressure on you.
  • Contact your bank and find out about a chargeback. However, the probability of success is low.
  • If you have transferred by credit card, it is advisable to block it. Find out from the credit card company.
  • Secure evidence (chats, account details, submitted documents, etc.) and file a police report.

Advice & Help
For specific advice requests, please contact the relevant offices that Watchlist Internet has listed for you Advice & Help

Source: Watchlist Internet

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Notes:
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