Santander has issued a warning over a surge in WhatsApp and text message scams where fraudsters pose as children or friends in distress. The scam typically begins with a message like “Hi mum, I’ve lost my phone,” followed by a story about being locked out of a bank account and an urgent request for money.
Chris Ainsley, Santander’s head of fraud risk management, said the scams are evolving at “breakneck speed” and that AI voice impersonation is now being used to create realistic voice notes. The bank’s data shows that fraudsters pretending to be sons are most successful, followed by daughters and mothers.
The messages come from unknown numbers and pressure victims to transfer money to an unfamiliar account, often in a third party’s name. Victims are urged to verify the sender’s identity by calling their usual number or asking a personal question. Setting up a family password can help prevent future scams.
If money has been transferred, victims should contact their bank immediately to try to stop the payment. WhatsApp messages can be reported via the app, and scam texts can be forwarded to 7726. Banks will ask questions about the transfer; customers should always answer honestly, even if the scammer advises otherwise.
