Police are warning about a new scam when scammers pretend to be family members

Devon and Cornwall Police has said "please be wary of scams involving messages which seem to be from a family member/friend asking for money or vouchers".

Criminals try to contact victims by email, WhatsApp message, and other forms of messaging, purporting to be known to the recipient and giving a storyline for a (normally emotive or emergency) reason why they need money.

The fraudsters normally pretend to be in a hurry, most likely to entice their victims to take immediate action, asking for money to be transferred or for vouchers to be purchased and for the codes to be given to them.

This is a scam, please be wary of any similar messages of this type. If you receive a message asking you to financially help someone or asking you to purchase something please make contact with them in person or via a telephone call to verify they are who they say they are.

If you believe you may have been a victim to fraud please contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk.

If you have any concerns please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or use the webchat facility on the Devon & Cornwall police website.