The scam known as "son fraud" has returned on WhatsApp, particularly targeting elderly individuals. Hackers impersonate sons or other relatives, inventing urgent stories to obtain money. They use various tactics, including stealing WhatsApp accounts, to contact the friends and family of the victims. Messages may include excuses like "my phone broke" or "I am abroad," and the attackers request money transfers through various platforms.
Authorities warn users to be suspicious of such messages and to verify the sender's identity before taking action. If someone falls victim, it is essential to contact the bank to cancel transactions and report the incident to the authorities. Prevention and caution are key to avoiding these increasingly frequent scams.