A Message from an Unknown Number on WhatsApp Turned Everything Upside Down
Scammers skillfully exploit feelings of trust and affection to trap their victims, using simple tools like text messages and the WhatsApp app to carry out clever scams disguised as pleas for help from children or friends in distress. The scheme usually begins with a message from an unregistered number, claiming the usual phone is broken and requesting urgent contact due to an emergency — often involving a quick money transfer.
These messages are designed to create a sense of urgency and emotional panic. They are detailed enough to seem believable, especially when the scammer pretends to be a son or daughter, crafting a convincing story about losing access to a bank account after changing phone numbers, and asking “mom” for a temporary transfer.
In one case that was both amusing and unfortunate, a scammer impersonated a girl named Charlie to convince a woman to send money. But the woman suddenly remembered that her daughter was still a baby and didn’t have a phone. She immediately realized it was a scam and thwarted the attempt just in time.
Data released by a major UK bank showed that the most successful scams are those where the fraudster impersonates a child, followed by cases where they pose as a friend or a mother — a clear indication of how vulnerable people become when targeted through emotional manipulation.
Technological advances have added a dangerous layer to these schemes, as scammers now use artificial intelligence to generate voices that sound exactly like the victim’s loved ones. This increases the credibility of voice messages and makes it harder to distinguish them from real ones.
It all starts with a familiar-looking message from an unknown number, followed by persistent messaging, a fabricated story, and a request for a transfer to a suspicious account.
To combat these scams, experts advise not to respond to any financial messages from unverified sources. Instead, verify the situation directly by calling or asking questions only the real person would know. A few moments of caution could save victims from major financial loss and lasting regret.
