Protect yourself from WhatsApp takeover fraud
We’re issuing a warning about a rising WhatsApp scam affecting people in the West Midlands.
Criminals are trying to gain unauthorised access to victims’ WhatsApp accounts, leading to impersonation and further fraudulent activity.
How the scam works
WhatsApp takeover scams involve fraudsters tricking people into sharing their six-digit verification code. Once they have this code, they can log into the account, locking out the real owner, and use the compromised account to deceive others for personal gain.
The scammer will start by providing your phone number to WhatsApp, auto generating a verification code that will be sent directly to your phone. The criminal will then call or message you, often appearing as a known contact.
They will then often tell you that you are invited to an online meeting or make up another reason to convince you to share the code, enabling the criminal immediate and full access to the account.
This will cause a loss of all access to the account including any messages, media, files and contact lists. It allows the fraudster to pose as the victim, targeting the victim’s friends and family often making requests for money or personal information.
How to stay safe and secure your account
- Never share your verification code with others.
- Enable two-step verification as this adds an extra layer of security
- Protect your data – only allow contacts to see your profile photo
- Be cautious of unusual requests from contacts – especially those asking for codes, money or personal details
- Verify directly – if a message seems suspicious, call to confirm their identity
- Report and block suspicious messages. You can do this within WhatsApp’s settings
If you’ve been targeted, contact your bank immediately to cancel cards and prevent financial loss.
WhatsApp has special advice on how to protect yourself from suspicious messages and scams.
You can also report a fraud to Action Fraud by calling them on 0300 123 2040.
If you feel unsafe or you’re in immediate danger, always call the police on 999.
| Message Sent By Georgia Patterson (West Midlands Police, Communications Officer, West Midlands) |
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April Newsletter – Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
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Over 35,000 account hackings reported in 2024
Protect your online accounts from hackers and enable 2SV: Action Fraud issue new warning about social media and email account hacking as new data is revealed.
This year Action Fraud and Meta are encouraging the public to protect their social media and email accounts as data shows there were more than 35,000 reports made last year.
Data shows there was a rise of social media and email account hacking reported in 2024, with a total of 35,434 reports made to Action Fraud, compared to 22,530 reports made in 2023.
Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting service, has launched a campaign, supported by Meta, to encourage people to take an extra step of online protection by enabling 2-Step Verification for each online account they have. The warning comes as reporting shows nearly £1 million was lost to hackers last year.
The most common motives for social media hacking were either investment fraud, ticket fraud or theft of the targeted account, reporting insights revealed.
In the reports made to Action Fraud, there were various different methods of hacking highlighted, these include:
On-platform chain hacking
This is when a fraudster gains control of an account and begins to impersonate the legitimate owner. The goal is to convince people to reveal authentication codes, including one-time passcodes, that are sent to them via text. Many victims of this type of hacking believe it’s a friend messaging them, however the shared code was associated with their own account and the impersonator can now use it to access their account. Usually when an account is taken over, fraudsters monetise control of the account via the promotion of various fraudulent schemes, like fake tickets or crypto investment schemes, while impersonating the original account owner.
Leaked passwords and phishing
The other common method of hacking is when account details are gained via phishing scams, or the use of leaked information used from data breaches, such as leaked passwords. This becomes prevalent as people often use the same password for multiple accounts, so a leaked password from one website can leave many of their online accounts vulnerable to hacking.
What can you do to avoid being a victim?
· 2-step verification (2SV) will keep criminals out of your account – even if they know your password. Turning on 2SV gives your most important accounts an extra level of protection, especially your email and social media accounts. It can be turned on in a matter of minutes – time well spent to keep the fraudsters out. Find out how to enable it here.
· Email and social media passwords should be strong and different to all of your other passwords. A good way to make sure your passwords are ‘long enough and strong enough’ is to combine three random words to create a unique password which is easy to remember. Find out more here.
Report suspicious emails by forwarding it to: report@phishing.gov.uk
Find out how to protect yourself from fraud: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk
If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
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Recognising the signs of stalking and getting support
Today 22/04/25, marks the start of National Stalking Awareness Week and we want to help people understand what stalking is and highlight the support available for victims.
Stalking often follows a harmful pattern known as FOUR: Fixated, Obsessed, Unwanted, and Repeated.
Any persistent, unwanted contact that causes distress is stalking and it’s never acceptable.
Stalking can take many forms, such as offline behaviour – visiting someone’s home or workplace, following them, or leaving unwanted gifts.
This behaviour can also happen online such as unwanted social media messages, calls, texts, emails, hacking, or installing spyware.
It could be someone you know, like an ex-partner or acquaintance, or even a stranger. If you’re being stalked, it’s not your fault, and there is help available.
Media portrayals of stalking, which sometimes romanticise obsessive behaviour, can make victims question their experiences.
However, stalking and harassment aren’t romantic. They’re serious crimes with devastating consequences.
Click here to watch our film to learn more about stalking and how to spot the signs.
As part of our commitment to tackling stalking, we’ve been working hard to improve our response. We’ve implemented updated training and guidance for our officers and staff to ensure they better understand stalking and harassment behaviours. This training also focuses on recognising the impact on victims and using existing police powers effectively to pursue offenders and protect those at risk.
If you believe you’re being stalked, here’s how you can get help:
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, you can report online using Live Chat or by calling police on 101.
If you are not ready to speak to police, please reach out for support from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and National Stalking Helpline
The unwanted, repeated attention can have a serious impact on your physical or mental health, as well as your day-to-day life. Some people who have been stalked or harassed have had to make changes to their daily lives; some have changed jobs or moved house.
It’s important that you get the support you need if this is something you’re experiencing. If you’re not ready to report to us, that’s OK, there are other organisations that can give you advice and help.
Keep a record of events:
• Note details of witnesses if there are any.
• Save text messages, calls, voicemails, or social media communications.
• Keep a diary of events, including dates, times, locations, and descriptions of incidents.
For more advice and support on reporting stalking and harassment, visit our crime prevention page here
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March Newsletter – Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
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February Newsletter – Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
WWH Newsletter – February 2025
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January Newsletter – Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
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Weekly update from Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team 23.12.24
Here’s a quick round up from the Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team. What’s been happening
- PCSO parking patrols. PCSO Sackey has been busy dealing with parking, issuing around 30 tickets for obstruction or dangerous parking on the side roads off Alum Rock Road.
- Op Advance. Proactive patrols conducted by officers saw a highly visible police presence in the area. Two vehicles seized for no insurance and one vehicle seized for no tax.
- Arrests made. Following a report from the local community officers have located and arrested a prolific theft offender. Thank you for your help. Also, a prolific burglar has been arrested by officers on patrol.
- Speedwatch. Officers conducted Speedwatch of Burney Lane, which ensured traffic kept to the speed limits.
A big thanks to
- St Johns Street Watch and CMI Womens Streetwatch for all their hard work carrying out patrols in Alum Rock helping to keep the area safe. You can take part by contacting StreetWatch
- Ward End Residents Group for all their had work reporting residents concerns, keeping the area clean and tidy and arranging fun family days to keep the community entertained.
Look out for…
Burglaries – You can help prevent crime by installing anti snap locks, automatic time switches for lamps to pre-set when you are away, external lighting to front and rear of your property, CCTV or ring doorbell. There is further information on this link Keep burglars out of your property
Date for your diary
- Thursday 30th January 2025 between 9am and 10am – Police meeting at Ward End Wellbeing Centre. Everyone welcome to join and raise any concerns
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November Newsletter – Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
WWH Newsletter – November 2024
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Police & Crime Commissioner Priorities
Please see link below for West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner Priorities.
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Clocks go back 27th October – Protect Your Home
It’s that time of year again – the clocks are going back on 27th October. The nights are getting darker. We normally see a spike in burglary around this time of year so make sure you lock up and protect your home.
Head to our website to learn how to keep burglars out:
Darker Nights | West Midlands Police
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September Newsletter – Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
WWH Newsletter – September 2024
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Vehicle Crime update from Anthony Wilkes, West Midlands Police, Engagement and Consultation Officer
30 e-bikes seized in Birmingham in city wide crackdown
Officers in Birmingham have seized more than 30 illegal e-bikes in the last two weeks as part of a city-wide crackdown.
Over the last few months, we have seen an increase in illegal e-bikes being used and businesses have reported an increase of anti-social behaviour caused by these bikes in public places.
Some of the e-bikes seized have been modified to increase their power and speed. Legal e-bikes are not permitted to exceed speeds of 15.5mph with the motor cutting out if the maximum speed is hit.
In the city centre, we have received reports of these illegal bikes doing up to 60mph.
Temporary Sergeant John Carroll from Birmingham city centre team, said: “We have seen an increase in illegal e-bikes being used in the city centre and in just two weeks have seized more than 30. They will now be destroyed as there is no way of getting these illegally modified vehicles registered and insured for legal use.
“We are committed to reducing anti-social behaviour so that people who visit, work and live in the city can go about their day without these bikes causing a nuisance. We carry out regular operations and in just two weeks have seen great results.
“We will take action against those using illegal e-bikes to commit crime or anti-social behaviour. We will not tolerate the illegal use of these bikes in our city.”
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August Newsletter – Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Policing Team
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Vehicle Crime update from Anthony Wilkes, West Midlands Police, Engagement and Consultation Officer
You may have heard that some areas in Birmingham have recently seen an increase in car and motorcycle thefts.
Officers and local teams are investigating this latest spike, with the prime target appearing to be small utility vehicles (SUVs).
While we continue to investigate and identify offenders, we are urging vehicle owners to boost their security measures to help us address this issue.
There are steps you can take to add extra protection to your vehicle. We would advise you consider investing in additional security measures such as steering locks, immobilisers, trackers and car alarms. If you are able, we would recommend using Thatcham and Sold Secure approved products.
You can also consult your vehicle’s main dealer to ensure it has the latest security updates. Following basic crime prevention advice such as parking in well-lit areas and using a garage when possible can further deter thieves. For more car crime prevention advice you can visit our website Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | West Midlands Police
For motorcycles, adding disc locks, brake lever locks, ground anchors, chains, alarms, and trackers can significantly reduce the risk of theft
If you have any information about vehicle thefts or suspicious activity please contact us on 101 or via Live Chat on the force website. If a crime is in progress, call 999 immediately.
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Weekly update from Washwood Heath neighbourhood policing team 25/07/2024
Here’s a quick round up from PCSO Daniel Gorman and the rest of the Washwood Heath neighbourhood policing team.
- Walk & Talk at Dolphin Centre. 1st session tomorrow. Thursday 25th July at 1pm. Meet at the Dolphin centre. Sessions each month, see flyer – walk and talk.pdf
- School Visits. PCSO Gorman visited The Rosary to talk to Year 6 about being safe over the summer holidays as well as parent workshop to discuss issues that matter to them. Also visited Adderley Primary School for talk about online safety and bullying and tips to keep safe over the summer holidays. I hope everyone has a great summer holiday. Please see the attached document about lots of activities you can sign your children up to over the summer.
- Gumbleberry’s community clean up. Officer joined to speak to local residents about the issues that matter to them and give reassurance.
- Weapon Seized. Following a report of anti-social behaviour officers found and seized a weapon. Community Protection Warning issued to one youth. Thank you for your help in keeping the community safe. Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers
- Multiple tickets issued for parking on zig zags along Alum Rock Road. Please do report any dangerous parking or dangerous/careless driving on this link with any video footage / pictures Operation Snap | West Midlands Police
A big thanks to
Dolphin Centre and Pearl Medical centre for working with your local Neighbourhood Police team to launch Walk and Talk with a GP and PC. Please pass the dates attached onto people you know who may be interested where you can join your local community in keeping fit and talking about issues that matter to you.
Look out for…
Theft from motor vehicle – You can help prevent crime by double checking all widows are closed and locked, fit number plates with tamper resistant screws, take valuables with you or leave out of sight. There is further information on this link Advice to help prevent theft from a vehicle
Next week
We will be meeting Naseby Youth centre for the garden opening and youth clubs to build relationships with young people and give advice to keeping safe over the summer holiday. Patrols will be conducted in areas where there is Anti-Social Behaviour. Please see lots of advice here Antisocial behaviour | West Midlands Police
Attachments
PCSO Daniel Gorman message.pdf
WWH Newsletter – June 2024.pdf
West Midlands Police – Washwood Heath Vehicle Crime Letter
Please use the link below to view the Vehicle Crime update from the Washwood Heath Neighbourhood Team