PEOPLE are being urged to be aware of a scam where criminals pose as a child of the victim in an attempt to steal thousands of pounds from them.

West Yorkshire Police’s fraud investigators are warning residents after a recent increase in reports of ‘mum and dad fraud’.

The victim receives a WhatsApp or text message from someone falsely claiming to be their son or daughter.

The message usually suggests they have changed their mobile phone number due to an emergency and are in need of some cash.

The payment is made on the promise the money will be returned, but instead, it is paid into a criminal’s bank account.

Det Insp James Humphreys, from the West Yorkshire Police Economic Crime Unit, said: “This is a particularly cruel deception which makes concerned parents believe their son or daughter is in financial difficulties and needs their help.

“Ourselves and colleagues nationally are working hard to get the message out and would ask residents to please make sure details of this type of fraud are shared with your families to prevent anyone falling victim.”

Once the money has been transferred, it can be extremely difficult to trace and get back.

DI Humphreys added: “If you receive or suspect you have received a scam message like this, try contacting your loved ones through a trusted method such as their usual phone number, so that you can confirm the request is genuine or not.

“Speak to them over the phone rather than trusting that the person at the end of the text message is who they claim to be and do not send any money until it is confirmed it is going to your family member’s account."

If you believe you have been a victim of this fraud please report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, by calling 0300 123 2040, or go online at www.actionfraud.police.uk

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