Fraudsters are reportedly targeting under 35s as part of WhatsApp scams which con people through social media.
Energy bill and tax deal scams are on the rise amid the cost of living crisis with criminals playing on people's fears of rising prices.
According to a banking industry body, "it is younger age groups that are often the prime target", which often involves them transferring money through social media platforms.
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In comments reported by the BBC, it said: "Our research found that people under 35 are more likely than older age groups to have been targeted in an impersonation scam and be swayed to provide personal or financial information."
Detective sergeant for Herts Police, Mark Fava, said: “Remember that on WhatsApp, like emails and phone calls, people are not always who they claim to be.
“If you get a message from a number you do not recognise, claiming to be someone you know and asking for money or personal information, it is best to pause and check that they are who they claim to be."
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