WhatsApp fraud has been on the rise in recent years. A family member, friend or close acquaintance then asks you for urgent financial help via WhatsApp. They allegedly lost their phone, lost money, or couldn’t make an urgent payment. It soon becomes apparent that it is not a family member or acquaintance, but a scammer. Too many people still fall for these trucks. The Public Prosecution Service and the East Brabant police are therefore asking for extra attention this week to prevent WhatsApp fraud.
WhatsApp fraud is increasing rapidly
Every year, approximately tens of thousands of people are approached by fraudsters via WhatsApp. The actual number of victims is probably much higher because many people do not report or report the crime to the police. Often people are ashamed that they have fallen for it and therefore do not go to the police. The Public Prosecution Service and the police are now putting extra emphasis on the fact that this can happen to anyone and there is therefore nothing to be ashamed of.
Several investigations have been conducted into this type of fraud within the East Brabant police. Only it appears that these investigations hardly lead to the scammers, recruiters or organizers. ‘We almost always end up with the so-called money mules. These are people who make their account available to the criminals and withdraw the money in cash for the criminals for a small fee,’ says press officer Janine Kramer.
Preventing Fraud
The police and the Public Prosecution Service think it is important to draw extra attention this week to preventing this scam, because too many people still fall into the trap of the scammers. This week people are being alerted or warned with numerous tips. In this article you will find 8 tips to secure your WhatsApp.
It not only warns users of the app, but also potential money mules. It is punishable if you lend your bank card, PIN or log data to someone else under suspicious circumstances. The consequences of this are serious and not just criminal.
‘In addition to compensating for the damage, you run the risk of being blacklisted by banks. This means that you will have long-term problems with non-cash payments, opening a bank account and taking out a mortgage.’
Still a victim of WhatsApp fraud?
Do you notice that you transferred money to a scammer after all? Turn on two-step verification for WhatsApp right now if you haven’t already done so. Also report the WhatsApp fraud online to the police. In this article you can read what else to do if you are a victim of WhatsApp fraud.
Even though many investigations are unsuccessful, the police continue to do their best to solve the cases. In the meantime, they have gained insight into six suspects in the various investigations into WhatsApp fraud. The suspects will have to answer to a judge next Friday at a special themed hearing.
Have you or someone you know ever dealt with WhatsApp fraud? Let us know in the comments at the bottom of this article.
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– Thanks for information from Androidworld. Source