A recent family impersonation scam targeted a relative of mine who was tricked into believing he was communicating with me via text message. 

The scammer used a common tactic of impersonating a family member, claiming to need urgent help, leading my relative to follow instructions and potentially share sensitive information. 

This report details that incident, steps taken to mitigate the damage, and key lessons that can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams.

Its an instinctive human trait to want to help your family and that is why this scam works. 

“take five”  they will say something like my phone is broken contact me on this new number, call or text the number that you know is correct,

Action Fraud as well a reporting method, have tips and advice you can use. When I spoke to them today they recommended a website called Who called me? | United Kingdom's Free Reverse Phone Lookup 

I put the number in and it showed me that that number was used by a scammer. 

We have our own advice page too 

3 Steps to Protect | West Mercia Police

luckily no money was lost and they realised in time it was a scam. 

Stay safe folks.