What is it?

This scam often involves SIM swaps where criminals will clone your SIM card and “hijack” your phone number. Using your number, they will send messages to your contacts, claiming that some kind of tragedy or emergency has taken place and asking for financial assistance. Your contacts, thinking that it’s you who needs their help, will then send money to the criminals.

How can you protect yourself?

• Don’t take messages asking for help at face value. Scrutinise the message to check if the person speaks or spells the way your real friend/family member would and try to make personal contact with them. If they keep making excuses as to why they can’t answer the phone, know that something is amiss.
• If they do answer the phone, be extra vigilant and listen carefully for signs that you are not speaking to the person they’re claiming to be.
• For more information on SIM Swapping, read our section on the topic here.