Santander issues urgent WhatsApp warning to all customers
Between 2023 and 2025, UK victims lost £226,744 to these scams, according to Action Fraud.
The latest scam, which has been doing the rounds for some time, is an impersonation scam.
Impersonation scammers do not always pose as children – sometimes they pretend to be friends, and sometimes they claim to be parents.
How to call your bank by dialling just 3 numbers… simply dial 1-5-9! Then you know it's legit, watch the video for more info.
Please share, the more people know, the fewer will be scammed. pic.twitter.com/GCAmRMUsWR
'Hi mum,' the first message starts, 'I've lost my phone.' Chris Ainsley, Santander head of fraud risk management, says the scams are evolving at 'breakneck speed'.
He says: 'We're hearing of instances where AI voice impersonation technology is being used to create WhatsApp and SMS voice notes, making the scam seem ever more realistic.' Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726, and WhatsApp messages can be reported via the app.
Experts advise verifying requests for money by contacting the supposed sender directly via a known phone number, and to avoid transferring money to unfamiliar accounts.
Hannah Bingle, Yorkshire Building Society Financial Crime Awareness Specialist, explains what to do if you receive a 'hi mum' message. Hannah says: "Scams where the sender pretends to be a loved one can be really unsettling.
Recommended reading:
"If you receive a message claiming to be someone you know using a new number, don't take it at face value. Try to call them on their existing number – you can quickly find out if the real person knows about the messages.
"If you're still not sure, you can ask something the genuine person would know but a scammer couldn't guess. Something simple like where you last met, the name of a pet or someone you both know.
"Don't be rushed into sending anything. A real family member or friend wouldn't mind you checking their details before handing over your money or information."
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