WhatsApp Scam Targets Parents: How to Recognize It

New WhatsApp Scam Targeting Parents

A new wave of WhatsApp scams is targeting parents by attempting to impersonate their children in order to extort money under the pretext of “helping” them.

Unfortunately, this kind of fraud often works because it exploits the power of emotions and relies on a sense of urgency to prompt parents to quickly make bank transfers.
Constant vigilance and caution are essential to defend against these scams.

The Fraudulent Scheme

WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging app, has become a fertile ground for scams.
While there have been numerous scams within the app in recent years, a relatively new type of scam has emerged where wrongdoers target parents, exploiting their love for their children.

One common scam involves identity theft, where scammers pretend to be someone else to extort money, with parents being the primary targets.

A fake police officer contacts the unsuspecting victim via WhatsApp and attempts to coerce them into providing money in exchange for help for their child, who is falsely portrayed as being in trouble.

Why do scammers choose to call on WhatsApp? Firstly, the call is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring only the scammer and the recipient have access to the conversation.
Secondly, it serves to legitimize the caller.
Scammers often use profile pictures depicting individuals in police uniforms to create the illusion of authority, gaining the victim’s trust.
In some cases, scammers may exploit personal information gathered from social media or other sources, such as the names of the victims’ children.

From Extracted Information to Fear

The scammer then tries to establish their legitimacy by “confirming” the recipient’s identity, inquiring about the whereabouts of their child:

If the child is near the parent, the scammer might end the call, fearing confrontation.
This is why scammers target parents who are less likely to verify information, such as those working full-time.
If the child is not present, the scammer capitalizes on the parent’s innate worry.
They proceed to falsely accuse the child of illegal activities (often related to cash theft) and criticize the parent for lack of supervision.
The goal is to create a sense of urgency and panic, making the parent more susceptible to manipulation.

When the parent asks where their child is and where the caller is located, the scammer resorts to intimidation, shouting and threatening legal repercussions if their authority is doubted.
This is aimed at silencing any doubts and pushing parents to act impulsively.

Following these threats, scammers push for a quick resolution by requesting online money transfers to settle the alleged charges against the child.
This is where they try to exploit the panic and fear they have instilled.

An emotional parent can easily fall victim to the scam and pay the scammer immediately to bring their child back home.
By the time clarity is sought on the situation, it is usually too late.
The scammers have already vanished without a trace.

How to Avoid the WhatsApp Parent Scam

Awareness is the best defense against these scams.
Be cautious of any suspicious signals.
Police officers usually do not call on WhatsApp, especially from their personal cell phones.

Try not to answer calls from unknown numbers, especially from those claiming to discuss urgent matters or purporting to be part of a public office or a major company.
Attempt to contact your child before believing such claims from a stranger.

Scammers often use fake profile pictures, particularly those depicting authoritative figures like police officers.
Be vigilant: these photos often contain inconsistencies or are strangely blurred.

Avoid disclosing sensitive details about yourself or your family that could be used to manipulate you.
Scammers are adept at creating panic by claiming that a loved one is in trouble.
Do not rush into making decisions regarding your money.