Mums are being targeted in a new text message scam which has been circulating in Ayrshire.
The potential victims receive a text message purporting to be from their son or daughter, asking them to message them on Whatsapp.
They are then directed to a link where they are asked to deposit money to help “fix” their child’s phone, or to “get them a taxi home.”
However, the messages are bogus and people are being warned over the dangers of the fake messages.
One Ayr woman warned on social media: “There’s a scam text going around, saying ‘Mum, I’m using a friend’s phone, message me on WhatsApp.
“It’s 100 per cent fake. Don’t fall for it, or let others.”
Another woman who was contacted said: “They ask you to send them money to “fix their phone” or “get a taxi home.”
The majority of the fake texts have been sent to women in the Craigie area of Ayr, but others have been sent to potential victims in the Wallacetown part of town.
Another said: “I’ve had a couple of these, first one saying the phone was lost and the second one a few days later saying the phone had been dropped down the toilet.
“I messaged back saying “Make your mind up, the other day it was lost and now it’s down the toilet?! Clumsy!” They didn’t reply!”
Two other women have come forward with similar stories with one of them saying: “I got one but just ignored it, but you just don’t know if it’s real or not. It’s quite scary.”
The general advice on scams is not to respond or engage with the fraudsters at all.
However, you can forward suspicious messages to 7726, to report unwanted SMS messages, or phone calls on a mobile.
The number ‘7726’ was chosen because it spells ‘SPAM’ on an alphanumeric phone keypad.
One woman admitted that she almost fell victim to the scam, adding: “I have to say I nearly did. I have one son who is always losing things and skint!
“I sent back saying ‘Is that you?’ and they said ‘Yes mum. Can you transfer money for me?’
“Luckily, I have a WhatsApp with my boys and popped a message on to them to see if they knew. They said it’s a scam!”
Chief Inspector Kevin Lammie, Local Area Commander, South Ayrshire Police said: "We are aware of a Whatsapp scam where people receive a message from a random number claiming to be their son or daughter who is using a friend’s phone.
"They claim to be in trouble and in need of money. Some parents are convinced they are communicating with their child due to the message being very personal.
"We would ask people to take the following action should they receive this message:
STOP - Take Five before you respond.
THINK - Does this request make sense?
CALL - Verify by calling them directly."
More information on how to keep safe, can be found here : https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/internet-safety/
Go to https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds / to find out more about protecting yourself from scams and fraud.
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