Grandchild trick 2.0: Fraudsters strike via WhatsApp
It's an old scam in a new guise - the grandchild trick 2.0: instead of using the telephone, fraudsters are increasingly contacting potential victims via WhatsApp or other messenger services on their cell phones. The aim is the same: To scam the mostly elderly people out of as much money as possible.
The supposed grandchildren first explain that they have lost their cell phone or that the device is faulty, justifying that they are contacting them from an unknown number.
After the request to save the number, the scammers continue with their stories: tales of serious illnesses, bad accidents, horrendous hospital costs - and a big problem: due to the circumstances - after all, the old cell phone is gone - they have no way of accessing online banking.
And this is where the grandchildren scam unfortunately snaps far too often - with the victim being asked to make this important transfer, usually several thousand euros. The money would supposedly be paid back in a few days - which of course never happens.
Are you sure you wouldn't fall for this? That could be the case. But maybe your parents or grandparents, friends, acquaintances or neighbors would - under the pressure that the scammers build up and with the fears they stir up.
Therefore our appeal: warn people close to you about this new scam!
How you can protect yourself:
- Never respond to requests for money via messenger services.
- Check personally with relatives/acquaintances using the previously known contact details to find out whether the number has actually been changed.
- Do not immediately accept an unknown number as a contact.
If you have been victimized:
- Always file a criminal complaint!
- Do not make any further payments of money.
- Inform your bank to stop or reverse any cash flows.
If you have any further questions, please contact our crime prevention/victim protection department. You can reach our colleagues by telephone on 0202/284-1801.