This story is personal, and it's the reason we built ScamSpotter. It’s a real-world example of how even tech-savvy people can be tricked when scammers create a sense of urgency and manipulate emotions.

The Initial Message

My son received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. It read: "Hey, it's Tom. Dropped my phone down the toilet so using a friend's for a bit. Can you save this number for now?" It seemed plausible. The language was casual, and "Tom" is a common name, and he did have a friend named Tom.

The Escalation

A few hours later, the "friend" messaged again, this time with a problem. "My banking app is locked because of the new phone. I need to pay an urgent bill, and I'm really stuck. Could you possibly send me the money? I'll pay you back tomorrow." The amount wasn't huge, but it was significant enough to cause a problem.

The Mistake

Feeling the pressure to help a friend in need, my son didn't stop to think. He didn't question why "Tom" couldn't use his friend's banking app or call his parents. He simply transferred the money to the bank account provided. The scammer immediately blocked him, and the money was gone.

Lessons Learned & How to Prevent This

• VERIFY by Calling: The single most effective prevention step. A quick phone call to the "friend's" old, known number would have revealed the scam instantly. If they don't pick up, call another friend or family member to verify the story.
• Question the Urgency: Scammers manufacture crises. Ask clarifying questions that only the real person would know. "How was your sister's birthday last week?" A scammer will be evasive.
• Use a Scam Checker: A quick copy-paste into an AI tool like ScamSpotter would have flagged the urgent request for money and the common scam pattern.

This experience was a harsh lesson, but it highlights that anyone can be a target. By taking a moment to pause and verify, we can protect ourselves and our families.