Derbyshire Police has issued a warning about a WhatsApp scam which is targeting elderly people. 

Elderly people are being targeted by cyber criminals who send WhatsApp messages claiming to be from their children asking to borrow money.

In texts, from an unknown number but often giving correct names, crooks claim to be from victims' sons and daughters who have damaged, lost or had their phone stolen. 

The messages go on to request to borrow money, stating that the alleged change in phone number means they temporarily can't access their usual online banking.

A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: “Always verify requests in person or verbally to ensure you are speaking to the person that you think you are.”

In another WhatsApp con, scammers send a verification code to the victim, again impersonating friends or family, claiming to be messaging from a different number and trying to reset their account.

The scammers say while requesting a verification code they entered the target’s number by mistake and ask if they can forward the code to them.

Once they have the code, they are able to access the victim's account and launch attacks on other people – as well as having access to all of their WhatsApp messages.

Messages sent will appear to contacts to come from the victim.

A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: "Never disclose or share a verification code sent to you by WhatsApp (or indeed any platform, no matter how convincing the request).

"If you have already shared a code, change the settings on your account to turn on two-step verification. To do this, open the app, click on the three dots, go to settings, account, two-step verification – this will require you to create a six digit PIN code." 

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