Parents: Watch out for WhatsApp scam in Wiltshire
Police say they've had increasing reports of criminals using the messaging app
Wiltshire Police are warning parents to watch out for a new scam this summer - criminals pretending to be their children on WhatsApp.
The force say they've getting an increase in reports of criminals messaging people starting with 'Hello Mum' or 'Hello Dad'.
They then claim to a child using a new phone number as theirs was lost or stolen, asking for money to urgently pay a bill.
The criminal then sends some bank details for cash to be transferred to, and then comes back with more demands.
Wiltshire officers have some advice for parents receiving such a message - STOP. THINK. CALL.
They're urging people to call a family member or friend to confirm their identity if they make an unusual request on WhatsApp
Scamming messages can be reported on WhatsApp directly, by pressing and hold the message and selecting 'Report'
Wiltshire Police also has its own Fraud Protection Officer – PC Rachel Davies to talk about any suspicious messages.
If you have been a victim of fraud of cybercrime, report it at Actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.