Impersonating whanau in scam on WhatsApp

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Eastern District police are warning people to be wary of a WhatsApp scam circulating.

In this case, scammers use the messaging system WhatsApp to impersonate family members or friends in difficulty — in particular, needing money.

“This type of scam has evolved from fraudsters impersonating a bank, police or a government agency,” police said. “Victims of the scam have received a message from an unknown number, claiming to be a loved one who has just lost their phone and got a replacement.

“The scammer then attempts to obtain the victim's credit card information.”

Police say these kinds of scams run constantly and while most people will not respond or buy into them, some have been more vulnerable.

“We urge people to have conversations with vulnerable or elderly family members to help ensure they are aware of the tactics often used by scammers and don't become victims.Please remember that a bank, the police, or a government agency will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.”

The police message on scams like this is simple.

“Do not engage with anyone on the phone and if you think you are being scammed, report the incident immediately. If you are in doubt as to a person's legitimacy, ask if you can call them back, or if they are claiming to be a family member or friend, ask them a personal question, for example, their date of birth, maiden name, pet name or name of a sibling.

“Anyone who believes they are a victim of a scam in person over the phone or online should immediately report it to their bank and then to their local police.”