What is ‘son in trouble’ WhatsApp scam? Here’s what you need to know

A "son in trouble" WhatsApp scam has surfaced in some European countries, originating in Spain. Hundreds of people have fallen victim to the scam.

The scammers pose as a family member, typically a son, purportedly in some distressing or urgent situation. Their motive is to extract confidential information and steal their money.

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A few months ago, people reported similar frauds in India, where users get calls from strangers pretending to be someone known.

According to a report by BBC, Spanish authorities arrested over 100 people between February and April in connection to a criminal group that manipulated people on WhatsApp and duped them for nearly a million euros (approximately ₹8.9 crores). The victims transferred amounts ranging between €800 and €55,000, assuming they were helping relatives in menacing situations.

Fraudsters start the scam by pretending to be a family member in trouble. They claim they have lost their mobile phone or cannot access their bank account and need immediate financial help. In a more complex version of the scam, the fraudsters deceive the victim into giving them the two-factor authentication codes, which they use to gain full access to the victim's WhatsApp account. They ask for the code, claiming they mistakenly entered the wrong verification password. Once they access the account, they can demand money from the victim's contacts.

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The scam in Spain has also affected victims throughout Europe, including a substantial number in the United Kingdom.

The scam has been particularly prevalent in Spanish regions such as Alicante, Barcelona, and Madrid. Similarly, law enforcement agencies such as the police and Action Fraud in the UK have identified a comparable pattern, with significant financial losses reported over similar timeframes.

WhatsApp scams have been frequently prevalentinIndia also. One such scam is the 'Job Scam' that lures people into high-paying jobs for minimal work. They often ask you to like social media posts. But they are just traps to collect your personal and financial information. Fraudsters have also targeted users with QR codes that claim to offer prizes. However, scanning and authenticating these codes can unintentionally authorise money transfers from your bank account.

Users are encouraged to confirm the identity of individuals who claim to have emergencies, particularlyif they are contacted froman unfamiliar phone number, to avoid falling prey to such scams.Itis strongly recommendedthat sensitive information, such as two-factor authentication codes, should never be shared, regardless of theidentity of the requester. It is advisable to use the security settings of WhatsApp to increase account protection, such as activating two-step verification.Any unusual activity should be reportedimmediately to local authorities and through platforms like Action Fraud.

(With inputs from agencies)