Whats app scam group operating in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight targeting the vulnerable
A scam operating in Portsmouth has spread to the Isle of Wight. Young, predominately single people are being encouraged to join a WhatsApp group to find out ways of receiving more Universal Credit (UC) or for help claiming UC. The group then persuade the relevant information out of the customer, access their online account, amend the details to include several children and then put in for an advance. Once the advance hits the young person’s account they demand the funds be sent on to them by threats of violence to the young person and their friends and family. The threats include some really harrowing graphic videos of people being strangled. DWP will never ask for personal login information and passwords and don’t use WhatsApp. If anyone needs help to claim then the Citizens Advice can offer support locally in the Jobcentre.
