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“Mum, I have a new number” (a fake relative on WhatsApp or SMS)

How it works

  • The message starts with “Mum/Dad, I have a new number” or “my phone broke”
  • After a few lines an emergency appears: a bill to pay, a blocked transfer, a problem at the bank
  • You are asked for a quick transfer or an IBAN and told not to call, “because I cannot talk”
  • The name and profile picture are taken from the social networks of the person in your family

Warning signs

  • An unknown number that claims to be a relative's
  • A request for money in the same conversation
  • “Don't call me”, “I'm in a meeting”, “my phone isn't working well”
  • Time pressure and an IBAN or a transfer to someone you do not know

What to do

  1. Do not send money.
  2. Call the person on the old number you know, or ask something only they can know.
  3. Block and report the number in the messaging app.
  4. If you already sent money: call your bank at once, then 1911.
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