Marketplace, jobs, rentals and romance · stamped IMPOSTER

The Hi Mum, new number textIMPOSTER

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
✆WhatsApp×
https://web.whatsapp.com/
Emmaonline
Hi Mum, can you grab me from practice at 6? Coach kept us late9:41
Sure, see you at 69:42
Thanks! Can we get pizza on the way home?9:42
Type a message
ScamIMPOSTER
✆WhatsApp×
https://web.whatsapp.com/
+44 7700 900418online
Hi Mum it's me, I dropped my phone in the sink so this is my new number. Save this one x9:41
Oh no! Are you ok?9:42
I'm fine but I can't get into my banking app on this phone and I have to pay my rent today. Can you send £850 to my landlord and I'll pay you back Friday? I'll send the details9:42
Type a message

Always check the number.

A “new number” you’ve never seen, then a money request. Your real child is still saved in your phone under their name.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesCheck firstIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

Emma, saved in your contacts.

+44 7700 900418, an unknown number saying it’s your child.

2What it asks you to doDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

A lift home from practice, and pizza.

Send £850 to a “landlord” today.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

No money, no rush.

Rent is due today and the banking app “won’t work”.

Remember“New number, can you send money?” Call your child on their old number first. If it’s really them, they’ll answer.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

Take the testNext scam: The job that needs a top-up →