So many people find WhatsApp the best way of communicating with friends and family, but Dorset Police is warning people to be wary following an increasing number of reports of scams.

The unsuspecting WhatsApp user receives a message on WhatsApp purporting to be from a family member in need of urgent help.

The message comes from an unknown number and states something similar to ‘their phone is broken’, ‘dropped down the loo’, ‘microphone doesn’t work’ etc and they cannot access their online banking – they need to urgently transfer money to another bank account to pay a bill, fine or similar.

The victim transfers money to the bank account details, which have been provided by the scammer. Then they receive another message requesting another bill is paid, then another. It is at this point the victim realises that these requests are out of the ordinary and suddenly realise they have been scammed.

If money has been paid, then contact your bank immediately.

This is a ‘push payment fraud’, where the victim has authorised the payment to another party. It is up to the bank whether the payment can be recovered.

Investigations officer Martin Forder, of Dorset Police, said: “We would like to make the public aware of this scam and encourage anyone who has been a victim of a similar incident to please report it to Dorset Police and Action Fraud.

“If you receive this type of message, please check the authenticity of it – make a call to that family member on a number you know to be theirs, or alternatively go and visit them if this is practical. If you are in any doubt, do not engage with these messages or send any money.

“We would ask people to look out for family members or neighbours and make sure they are aware of this potential scam.”

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by scammers is asked to report it to Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101. Please also report it to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.