Popular Scams Currently Circulating in Staffordshire

We’ve put together a summary of 2 of the more popular scams we are coming across in Staffordshire.

1. ‘Hi Mum & Dad’ Scam

Scammers impersonating family members, particularly adult children, in order to ask for money. They tend to contact via WhatsApp or text beginning the message ‘Hi Mum’ and then typically starting by saying the sender has lost or damaged their phone so they can’t access it. They go on to explain they are using a friend’s phone, pointing out some imaginary financial difficulty before quickly asking for money. Should you be tempted to send money, the bank details the scammers gives you will probably not match where the scammer will tell you it is because they can’t access their bank account.

If you receive a message like this;

• Don’t be tempted to transfer money.
• If a family member or friend makes an unusual request by text or WhatsApp, call the person to confirm their identity & make further enquiries.
• Set up two-factor authentication is your WhatsApp account and never share you 6-digit pin code with others. To do this tap settings>account>two-step verification>enable.
• Report spam messages on WhatsApp by pressing and holding on the message bubble, select ‘report’ & then follow the instructions.

2. Debt Collection Agencies Threatening Legal Action

We’ve received complaints from members of the public who have received letters purporting to be from a debt collection agency. A number of these, (but not all), refer to parking notices and are threatening legal action unless immediate payment is made. The letters may appear non-genuine and details within the letter might be incorrect.

• If you don’t recognise the debt that the letter claims you owe, then make further enquiries to make sure the debt is one you owe.
• Don’t use any contact details provided within the letter and always check credentials of any company you are unsure of.
• If you are unsure, talk with someone you trust and report any scam letters to Action Fraud.