Police have issued a warning after fraudsters tried to steal hundreds from a Blackburn man, in a Whatsapp scam.
Men in Blackburn and Accrington have received WhatsApp messages or phone calls from people pretending to be from an Eastern European gang.
The fraudsters then tell the victim that they owe them money, usually around £500 or £600. The victim is continually contacted until money has been sent. More money is then demanded.
People have also received videos of someone holding a small handgun, as part of the blackmail.
Anyone who receives the scam has been told not to engage with the fraudsters but call 101 and report a blackmail.
A police spokesperson said: “We just wanted to make you aware of a blackmail scam which is going around at the moment to make sure you don’t become a victim of it.
“Men in Blackburn and Accrington have received WhatsApp messages or phone calls from people claiming to be Eastern European gang members and stating that they owe them money.
“The contact continues until the victim has sent them money, usually around £500 to £600, and then the suspect demands more.
“There have also been instances where suspects have forwarded a short video of someone holding a small handgun.
“We believe the scam could be running throughout the country and that there are further victims.
“If you receive communication of this nature, we would ask that you do not engage with the fraudster but call us on 101 and report a blackmail.”
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