A new and concerning scam is actively targeting parents in Bern Canton through WhatsApp and iMessage. Fraudsters are impersonating children, claiming they have a new phone number and urgently need money. The Bern Cantonal Police have reported multiple incidents, with one victim losing over 10,000 Swiss francs.
Key Takeaways
- Scammers send messages starting with "Hello Mom" or "Hello Dad" from unknown numbers.
- They claim to have a new phone and need urgent financial help.
- One reported case involved a loss exceeding 10,000 francs.
- Police advise verifying identities by calling known numbers and being suspicious of urgent money requests.
How the WhatsApp Scam Operates
The scam typically begins with a message from an unfamiliar number. The sender identifies themselves as the recipient's child, often stating they have a new phone number because their old device broke. This initial contact aims to establish a sense of familiarity and urgency.
Once the parent responds, the conversation quickly shifts to money. The fake child claims to have an immediate need for funds, explaining they cannot make the payment themselves. They then ask the parent to transfer money to an unknown bank account, emphasizing the payment is urgent.
Concerning Statistics
- Multiple cases have been reported to the Bern Cantonal Police.
- One individual lost over 10,000 Swiss francs to this specific scam.
- The scheme has been active in the region for the past two to three weeks.
Police Warnings and Prevention Tips
The Bern Cantonal Police are urging residents to exercise extreme caution. They highlight the importance of verifying the identity of anyone requesting money, especially if the request comes from an unknown number.
"Be suspicious of individuals who do not introduce themselves by name but claim to be relatives or acquaintances. Always verify their identity before taking any action," a police spokesperson stated.
One of the most effective ways to confirm a message's authenticity is to call the child on their previously known and trusted phone number. This simple step can immediately expose the fraud.
Essential Safety Measures
- Question the sender: If someone claims to be a relative, ask for their name.
- Call the known number: Contact your child on their old, familiar phone number to confirm.
- Protect personal details: Never share family or financial information with unknown contacts.
- Resist pressure: Do not let dramatic stories or urgent demands pressure you into making hasty decisions.
- Be wary of money requests: Always be suspicious if a 'relative' asks for money, and never comply without verification.
- Adjust privacy settings: Configure privacy settings on WhatsApp and other messaging apps to limit visible personal data.
Broader Context of Online Scams
This type of scam, often referred to as a 'hi mum' or 'hi dad' scam, is a common form of phishing. Fraudsters exploit emotional connections and a sense of urgency to trick victims. They rely on the victim's immediate concern for their child, bypassing critical thinking.
Similar schemes have been reported across various countries, evolving with new technologies and messaging platforms. Awareness and adherence to security protocols are crucial for prevention.
The Emotional and Financial Impact
Victims not only face significant financial losses but also experience emotional distress. The betrayal of trust and the realization of being manipulated can have lasting psychological effects. The high amount lost in one case—over 10,000 francs—underscores the serious financial risk involved.
The police emphasize that these criminals are skilled at creating convincing narratives. They often use language that sounds authentic to a child in distress, making it difficult for parents to discern the truth immediately. This psychological manipulation is a key component of their strategy.
Why These Scams Are Effective
Scammers leverage several human vulnerabilities:
- Emotional connection: Parents naturally want to help their children.
- Urgency: The demand for immediate payment bypasses rational thought.
- New number excuse: This explains why the message comes from an unfamiliar contact.
- Lack of direct contact: The scammer avoids phone calls, preferring text-based communication where their identity is harder to verify.
Staying informed about these tactics is the first line of defense. Sharing these warnings with family members, especially older relatives who might be less familiar with evolving digital scams, is also important.