PSP warns of increasing ‘Hi Dad, Hello Mom’ scams

The number of computer and telecommunications frauds in Portugal has almost doubled in four years, according to data published this Wednesday by the PSP, which warns in particular of an increase in “Hello Father, Hello Mother” scams.

There were 6,758 cases of computer and telecom fraud reported in 2019, with the figure rising to 10,910 between January and October this year, the national PSP management said. In 2022, the total number of frauds of this type reached 11,241 cases.

The number of arrests rose from two in all of 2019 to 31 by October this year, while the number of suspects rose from 251 to 390 over the same period.

“Among the potential risks that users inevitably expose themselves to when using new technologies, PSP highlights this year a scam known as “Hello Father, Hello Mother”, which is increasing in number,” the statement can be read.

The suspects mainly use the WhatsApp messaging platform, introduce themselves as very close relatives (usually sons or daughters) of the potential victim and ask for money, claiming to have changed their number.

“Reported events are occurring throughout the country, especially in urban areas with higher population densities,” PSP warns, stressing that messaging “can go on for hours, with unofficial content and records going back a day.” day, with the aim of assessing the close relationship between the potential victim and his descendant.”

Authorities recommend that anyone who encounters something similar try to make a voice call to the number: “this is the first and fastest way to prevent and detect that you may be the target of a scam attempt.”

PSP asks victims not to transfer money “without at least first being able to speak in person and get to know the person they think they are talking to,” and in cases where this is not possible, they should ask simple questions that your interlocutor need to know, for example, birthdays or other personal information.

“Fraud is a growing criminal phenomenon, in contrast to the general crime trend in our country” and “despite the existence of greater access to information and a more informed population, the famous “Vicar’s Tale” continues to be an effective method of illegal fraud.” obtaining the value of someone else’s property,” PSP warns.

According to authorities, “elderly people are still the main victims of various types of scams perpetrated by suspects,” but in recent years, “thanks to technological advances and the potential of the digital world,” suspects have “reached a different type of victim.”