WhatsApp users across Gedling borough are being warned about a new scam doing the rounds which could lead to you losing money to fraudsters.
Nottinghamshire Trading Standards have issued the warning following reports of a scam message that appears to come from the potential victim’s son or daughter via WhatsApp.
The message asks for an urgent transfer of money because their phone is broken or they have changed number.
Trading Standards officers said the the message ‘is very convincing and plausible’.
A spokesman said: “If you receive a message like this, Trading Standards suggests speaking with your relative in person or over the telephone on their usual phone number to verify the story.
“We also advise that you don’t reply to the scam text message.”
One reader from Carlton contacted Gedling Eye after receiving the scam message.
She said: “It is very convincing. I decided to ring my daughter on her so-called old number to check if it was true. She answered and had no knowledge of the messages whatsoever.
“If you get a message like this then you should check it out first before sending any money.”
For consumer advice, please call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133.
The public is encouraged to join Friends Against Scams, a National Trading Standards initiative that protects and prevents people from becoming scam victims by empowering them to take a stand against scams.
