A new type of scam known as the 'son in trouble' WhatsApp fraud has emerged in European countries, with Spain being the epicenter of this deceptive practice. The scammers typically pose as a family member, often a son, claiming to be in a distressing situation or urgent need of financial help. This technique has resulted in hundreds of victims being duped into transferring money, believing they were assisting their relatives in need.
The deceptive scheme doesn't stop at simple requests for money; some fraudsters take it a step further by manipulating victims into handing over two-factor authentication codes. By gaining access to the victim's WhatsApp account, the scammers can then reach out to the victim's contacts and further extort money under false pretenses. This sophisticated approach has led to significant financial losses for unsuspecting individuals who fall prey to this scam.
The impact of this scam has not been limited to Spain, as it has spread across Europe, including the UK, with similar patterns of deception and financial losses being reported. In addition to the 'son in trouble' fraud, India has also seen its fair share of WhatsApp scams, such as job scams promising high-paying roles for minimal effort or the lure of winning prizes through QR codes that actually lead to unauthorized money transfers from the victim's bank account. To avoid falling victim to such scams, users are advised to exercise caution, verify the identity of contacts in emergencies, refrain from sharing sensitive information, enhance account protection through security settings, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.