You must have been familiar with the “Mama Minta Pulsa” text message, right? That old trick will likely not work for you anymore.
Now, lately, there has been a similar method of fraud, namely claiming to be someone who knows you. The fraudsters use the identity of someone you know via phone call and WhatsApp chat to scam you like what Mama Minta Pulsa does via SMS.
Recognize this scam!
Usually, scammers would call or chat with their victims and claim to be an acquaintance. But, in fact, they are just scammers pretending to be someone you may know. Here are the scam methods:
- Through the phone, scammers will claim to be someone you know and ask if you recognize their voice. When you mention one of your acquaintance’s names, then scammers will quickly confirm they are that person you mentioned.
- Through WhatsApp or other chat apps, scammers have usually known your identity and used your acquaintance’s profile picture. They will chat you and pretend to be someone they are not.
- Scammers can also hack your acquaintance's WhatsApp or social media account and reach out to you.
- Scammers may also claim to be policemen/officials of an institution and know that you are in need of something. Then, they will offer you some help or products, and ask you to transfer them some money.
When you have given your trust that the scammers are someone you know, they will ask to borrow some money, ask for your personal data, and many others.
Tips to avoid this kind of scam
Do not get tricked by the scammers whatever the method and promises they give you. To avoid such scams, do the followings:
- Do not easily believe any chat or call coming from someone that claims to know you. If you really do have the contact of that person, call the person to verify, you can also ask a friend or other acquaintance about the number contacting you.
- Check if it was really your acquaintance. You may ask that person some personal questions and reveal his/her true identity. For example, if they claim to be friends from senior high school, ask about some of the teacher’s or other friends’ names.
- Do not give your personal data to anyone and be careful in transferring money. Protect your personal data, especially those related to banking, such as PIN, password, card numbers, CVC/CVV, and OTP. Always be aware of and meticulous in transferring money, ensure the validity of each account you are transferring your money to.
If they are proved to be scammers, call Halo BCA at 1500888 or the police. You can also report the fake social media or WhatsApp account to the platform.