Advice on Whatsapp scammers
Several weeks ago I described a so-called“friend-in-need”scam being committed via messenger services such as Whatsapp, where the fraudster contacts a victim and claims to be a friend or a relative, often identifying themselves by name and using language which may appear to be familiar.
The fraudster goes on to explain that they are in some kind of financial bind, such as having been arrested for an outstanding fine, or urgently requiring funds to pay for transport.
They request that money be transferred to a bank account which they provide details of.
Whatsapp, Citizens Advice and the National Trading Standards’ Friends Against Scams have launched “STOP. THINK. CALL”, a new campaign to help educate people on how to protect themselves and their Whatsapp account from message-based scams.
STOP: Take Five before you respond. Make sure your Whatsapp two-step verification is switched on to protect your account, that you’re happy with your privacy settings, and your six-digit pin is secure.
THINK: Does this request make sense? Are they asking you to share a PIN code which they have sent to you? Are they asking for money? Remember that scammers prey on people’s kindness, trust and willingness to help.
CALL: Verify that it really is your friend or family member by calling them directly, or asking them to share a voice note. Only when you’re 100 per cent sure the request is from someone you know and trust, should you consider it. If it turns out to be untrue, report it. For more visit www. friendsagainstscams.org.uk/stopthinkcall
On November 17, police were called to Glasgow Road, Blantyre, following a report of two males fighting, one of whom was allegedly in possession of a baseball bat. Police quickly attended and traced the males. A baseball bat was not recovered, however evidence was gathered which led to a 21-year-old male being arrested and charged with an alleged statutory breach of the peace and possession of an offensive weapon.
On November 18 police were called to the Udston area of Hamilton where a male had been seen forcing entry to a house by smashing a window and climbing inside.
A male suspect observed police arriving at the scene and allegedly climbed back out of the window and climbed the drainpipe, attempting to make off via the rooftops. The male was pursued and quickly apprehended. He was searched and allegedly found to be in possession of property which was later identified as belonging to the householder, as well as a pair of scissors and a spanner. A 26-yearold male was arrested and charged with various alleged offences.
In the early hours of November 18 police were called to the area of Burnpark Avenue, Uddingston, where a suspect male had been seen trying car doors. Police quickly attended and traced a male who matched the description passed by witnesses. A bag of property was allegedly recovered and the male was arrested.