Beware of the 'Fake Friend Scam' where the scammers pretend to be someone you know, like a friend, family member or old acquaintance. They reach out through phone calls, messaging apps or social media platforms. These scammers will use tricks to deceive victims, such as asking for favors or requesting money.
How It Happens
Scammers reach out to victims through messaging apps or calls, posing as friends or family members and ask victims to guess their actual identity.
Victims reveal the name of a friend they think the caller might be.
Scammers subsequently adopt the identity of the mentioned person.
The scammers ask for money or favors from victims.
How to Spot a Fake Friend Scam
They call or message from an unfamiliar number claiming to be a family member or friend.
They claim to have a new number due to phone lost or damaged phone.
Scammers will usually request for:
Money with excuses like being robbed or needing funds for expenses or medical bills.
Favors such as buying prepaid reload PIN.
Victims to visit phishing websites for reservations or download apps for purchasing items.
Things to keep in mind:
Don't answer calls or reply to messages from unknown numbers. Block them for added security.
Resist pressure to act immediately and take the time to carefully consider your response.
Ensure the legitimacy of requests by confirming with family, friends or acquaintances through alternative means. Use known contact numbers or meet in person.
Tighten messaging app privacy. Turn on the silence unknown calls function, only allow calls from your contacts and limit who can view your profile.
Don't click on links in texts messages as they might collect your information or download malware to your device.
Stay updated on the latest scams and exercise caution when receiving unexpected calls or messages.
Rest assured that CelcomDigi is actively taking measures to ensure our customers do not fall prey to such scams.