Police are urging members of the public to talk to older family members following a rise in Whatsapp message scams.  The scams usually involve a WhatsApp message, but sometimes a text or phone call, from a person claiming to be a family member, and have the common aim of encouraging the recipient to transfer money.

While anyone can fall victim to scams, we are seeing this type of scam targeting older people in particular.  There are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

1. Don’t open suspicious messages or links from numbers you don’t recognise.
2. Never provide your personal or bank details on links you’ve received by text.
3. Always use your bank or building society’s own app or website

The PSNI has produced an anti-fraud advice booklet designed to help the community protect themselves from fraudsters called The Little Book of Big Scams

Click here for further advice and information.  If you have any concerns about unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud or by phoning 0300 123 2040  You can also call police on the non-emergency number 101