Dad Save This New Number Scam

Alright, gather 'round, folks. We've got a story to tell, a tale of a sneaky scam that's been making the rounds, and it's high time we put it in its place. We're talking about the 'Dad Save This New Number' scam, and believe me, it's as annoying as your little cousin's 'knock-knock' jokes at a family reunion.

So, what's the deal with this scam?

Imagine this: you're chillin' at home, minding your own business, when suddenly your phone buzzes with a text. It's from an unknown number, but hey, maybe it's a long-lost friend or a secret admirer, right? Wrong! It's a sneaky scammer, trying to trick you into thinking they're in trouble.

Here's how it goes: the text says something like, "Hey, it's [some random name]! I'm in a bit of a pickle. Can you save this number and send it to me tomorrow? I'll explain later, thanks!" Now, isn't that just as sweet as apple pie? But hold your horses, because it's a trap, my friends.

Why should you care?

You might be thinking, "Well, that's not so bad. I'll just save the number and send it tomorrow." But here's the thing: that's exactly what the scammer wants you to do. And here's why you should care:

• It's a scam, plain and simple. And who likes being tricked?
• If you fall for it, you're helping the scammer. They're using your phone number to send the same message to all your contacts, spreading the scam like a nasty cold.
• And if that's not enough, some scammers might use your saved number to send premium-rate text messages, costing you money!

Sound like a bad deal? I thought so.

'Hi Mum' WhatsApp Scam | MRD Technologies

But how can you tell it's a scam?

Well, for starters, you don't know the person who sent the message. If it was a real friend in trouble, they'd give you a bit more context, right? Plus, they'd probably call you instead of sending a vague text.

Another red flag is the urgency of the message. Scammers want you to act fast, without thinking. So, take a deep breath, and remember: if something seems too good (or too urgent) to be true, it probably is.

What can you do about it?

First things first, don't save the number and don't send it to anyone. Instead, you can report it to your local law enforcement or block the number to keep the scammer at bay.

BBC - How to stay Scam Safe

And while you're at it, why not spread the word? Share this story with your friends and family, so they know what to look out for. After all, knowledge is power, and together, we can fight back against these sneaky scammers.

So, the next time you get a mysterious text asking you to save a number, remember the 'Dad Save This New Number' scam. And then, do what any sensible person would do: roll your eyes, delete the message, and go back to enjoying your day.

Stay smart, stay safe, and remember: if something seems fishy, it probably is. Until next time, folks!