The grandchild trick is still used. However, slightly modified via SMS and WhatsApp. This is how you prevent yourself from falling prey to scammers.
The grandchild’s trick becomes a child’s trick. (Source: voronaman/depositphotos.com)
- The grandchild trick is re-emerging in a different way.
- Fraudsters use a WhatsApp chat to deceive you and want to get your money.
- With these tips you can protect yourself from the scam.
It’s one of the oldest tricks that many people joke about, but you shouldn’t underestimate it. We’re talking about the grandchild trick. A supposed relative, usually a grandchild or child, contacts you via an unknown number. If the fraud attempt is successful, you are usually a lot poorer. Although many people know about the trick, unsuspecting victims often fall for it and lose a fortune. So that this doesn’t happen to you, we provide you with the right protective measures.
This is how the fraudsters get your money This generic message comes from cybercriminals. (Source: Screenshot/Netzwelt)
There is currently an increasing number of fraudulent messages in circulation. The text that supposedly comes from your child is very generic. As is so often the case, it begins with the sentence “Hello mom, this is my new number.” The fraudsters ask you to save them and then report them via WhatsApp. As the process progresses, they will then ask you for money under some pretext.
Most of the time we are talking about a serious car accident or a broken washing machine. They also don’t shy away from putting you under emotional pressure. A costly accident resulting in deaths or injuries as an excuse is not uncommon. In some cases, criminals even ask for money multiple times. This is usually several hundred euros that you are getting rid of.
Protection against the grandchild trick Your child is not behind this message either. (Source: Screenshot/Netzwelt)
It’s not just older people who have been the target of grandchild tricks for a long time. It can affect all age groups. If you have received such a message, you should simply follow a few basic rules to uncover the scammers. Before you are tempted to answer, you should first call or write to your children using the number you know. So you can find out within seconds whether your son or daughter really has a new number.
Also, don’t let yourself be put under pressure, no matter how bad the story the scammers tell you is. Of course, you should never transfer money. It is very likely that you will never see the money again, even if you report the matter to the bank. Last but not least, we strongly advise against disclosing personal information or family matters.
If you have fallen for the scam, there is no reason to be ashamed. Only the fraudsters are to blame. As the police state, it is extremely important that you file a criminal complaint. This is the only way to track down the perpetrators and establish connections. In the long run you will be helping others. When reporting, it is important to keep all chat histories as evidence.
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