New scam: First SMS, then WhatsApp

Now there is a new scam

a WhatsApp message was received immediately in all previous cases , the fraudsters now send an SMS in the first step and only in the second step is communication via WhatsApp . What is also striking about these new variants is that the fraudsters pressure their victims to make immediate or real-time transfers .

Note: With this method, criminals often use a clever approach and trick victims into sending them a WhatsApp message via SMS. With this newly created trust, they often feign an emergency situation and ask to transfer money to them. Attempts to call are ruled out as impossible using flimsy excuses. As a rule, strangers demand multiple amounts.

The fraudsters have learned

This new variant, i.e. first an SMS, then WhatsApp, has the following advantages for fraudsters:

1. Via WhatsApp you usually only receive messages from people you have already saved in your contacts and who you usually know.
   In addition, you can largely tell who it is from the profile photo. The fraudsters have probably learned from the reporting and the warnings and have now changed their tactics because they send an SMS first. Receiving a text message from unsaved contacts is not as noticeable at first as if you were receiving it via WhatsApp. Here the fraudsters work with the “moment of surprise”
2. What's also new is that the fraudsters are pushing for instant or real-time transfers. They do this so that if the victim notices the fraud, they no longer have a chance of a chargeback.

Here is an example of how a current scam works via SMS and WhatsApp! 

First, the victim receives an SMS informing them that they should continue communicating WhatsApp

Note: Real-time transfers cannot be reversed

What is striking is that fraudsters pressure their victims to make immediate or real-time transfers under the pretext of financial distress. There is no chance of a chargeback.

At this point, the police would like to point out that messages from unknown numbers should be handled sensitively. Do not give information about your financial situation to strangers, do not reveal any personal information or account details and never respond to financial demands via text message, email or phone call. Personal contact with a relative can quickly clarify whether it is a scam.

If a transfer has already been made, contact your bank as quickly as possible to stop the flow of money and file a criminal complaint with the police.

We at Mimikama advise caution!

You think you wouldn't fall for that? May be. But maybe your parents or grandparents , friends or acquaintances .

That's why we appeal to you: warn the people who are close to you about this scam!

This is how you can protect yourself:

• If someone you know contacts you via Messenger at an unknown number, do not save the number automatically.
• Ask the person you know at the old number whether there really is an emergency situation. The best way to do this is to call. If you can't reach the person you know, don't act rashly.
• Be suspicious if the person doesn't want to call the number you don't know - even if they may give convincing reasons for it.
• As soon as demands or requests for money are made , alarm bells should ring.
  No matter whether by post, email, telephone or via messenger services such as WhatsApp.
• Pay attention to the security settings of the messaging service you use.

If you have fallen victim to such a nasty scam:

• Always file a criminal complaint .
• Under no circumstances should you make any further monetary payments .
• Inform your bank in order to stop or reverse any cash flows that may have taken place.

SAVE, COPY, SHARE!

At this point we have created an image for you that you can copy and forward via WhatsApp. It is intended to protect your parents and grandparents from becoming victims of such a nasty scam.

Also read: Scams via “WhatsApp” messenger; Attentive people prevent financial loss

You can find more articles on WhatsApp HERE