*** Friend or Fraud? WhatsApp Scammers Play on Trust | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Friend or Fraud? WhatsApp Scammers Play on Trust

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

Unscrupulous fraudsters have found a new method to trick people into sending money illegally.

It starts with a WhatsApp message that seems to come from a friend urgently requesting funds.

The message often tugs at the heartstrings, playing on the immediate urge to help.

Only later does the person realise they were communicating with a hacked phone.
 
These criminals prey off people’s instincts to assist friends and family in times of need, knowing that a plea for help can easily bypass rational scrutiny.

The tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it harder for individuals to discern the authenticity of such messages.
 
The General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security has issued a warning, advising individuals to confirm the identity of their friends before sending any money.

This can be done through a simple phone call or a face-to-face conversation, ensuring that the request is genuine and not part of a larger scam.