A father in France has fallen prey to a scam where fraudsters pretended to be his daughter, leading him to transfer a significant sum of money to their accounts.

How Did the Fraudsters Succeed?

Francoise Schorosch, the victim, revealed that the scammers imitated his daughter's writing style and language, effectively gaining his trust. Reports suggest that they may have monitored her email exchanges regarding a property purchase, enabling them to craft convincing messages that mimicked actual conversations. The fraudulent transactions began with money moved from Deutsche Bank to Nationwide Bank, yet the victim was unable to secure assistance from Nationwide in retrieving his funds. Officials from Nationwide advised him to reach out to Deutsche Bank for help. No response has been received from Deutsche Bank so far, while Deutsche Bank declined to comment, citing German banking privacy regulations.

Risks of the 'Hi Dad' Scam

This type of scam, often referred to as the "Hi Dad" or "Hi Mom" scam, has surged in prevalence. Scammers exploit personal information to impersonate family members, fabricating urgent financial needs to solicit money transfers.

How to Protect Against Such Scams

To protect against such incidents, maintaining strong passwords for all online accounts is crucial. Exercise caution with unsolicited emails or messages. Confirm any urgent requests for money directly with the family member involved. Additionally, contact banks promptly if you suspect fraud. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information online and raising awareness about digital security.

This incident underscores the need for safeguarding personal data online and the importance of raising awareness about digital security to help individuals navigate these threats effectively.