North Wales Police warns of fake bank call and WhatsApp scam
North Wales Police has warned people not to share bank details after a scam involving fake fraud calls followed by WhatsApp messages.
The force’s Cyber Crime Team said fraudsters are phoning victims claiming to be from their bank’s fraud team.
Callers can make their number appear genuine through a technique known as caller ID spoofing, North Wales Police said.
They tell victims there is suspicious activity on their account, that online banking has been compromised, or that fraudulent transactions have been detected, the force said.
The scammers then move the conversation to WhatsApp, sending fake staff identification, forged documents, screenshots and bank logos to appear more convincing, North Wales Police said.
The aim is to persuade victims to share passwords, PINs or one time passcodes, reveal their online banking log in details, or transfer money to what is described as a safe account, which is in fact controlled by criminals, the force said.
North Wales Police said genuine banks will never ask customers to transfer money to a safe account, reveal a PIN, password or full security details, share a one time passcode, or give remote access to a phone, tablet or computer.
Warning signs include unexpected calls or WhatsApp messages about a bank account, pressure to act immediately, requests for passwords, PINs, card details or one time passcodes, instructions to move money to a safe account, and requests to install software or allow remote access to a device, the force said.
Anyone contacted in this way is advised to stop, avoid sharing any personal or financial information, end the call and ignore any WhatsApp messages that follow.
People are urged to contact their bank directly using the number on the back of their card or through its official website, and to report suspicious messages to Action Fraud.
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