Why / how would FH have this woman in WhatsApp?

[FluffyBunni]

Was checking a family member message on husbands WhatsApp whilst he did our DC bathtime- he doesn't normally mind me using his phone though I didn't specifically ask on this occasion. I opened WhatsApp to look for the message I'm looking for and see he's received a message earlier today from a young woman saying "hey Liam, can you grab some food for me". Husbands name is NOT Liam. Woman's number is +63 which is Philippines. Photo is a young Filipino looking woman.

What is this alll about?

@Sandra1984 your friends number was indeed part of a more sophisticated "spoofing" operation.

The one the OPs husband has got is phishing. One goal of the phishing scam is to find out which numbers are live. It's not a sophisticated operation since it simply involves sending a random WhatsApp to thousands of numbers. Many of those numbers will not be in use. However, some will receive a reply (such as the one you suggested) and then that number has value. You've confirmed that number is live.

The list of live numbers could be sold on to a spoof scammer. They know there is value in these numbers as they are live. You've freely offered them that information by replying. The next step is they spoof your caller ID making it look like you're texting from the hard shoulder of the M6 when actually, you're at home knitting.

They send a message to your contacts - hi, I'm stuck, it's an emergency. Please can you forward me x amount and I'll pay you back. Here's my bank details, thank you.

The names, be it Liam/Juliet play an important role here as do the questions.

Obviously the recipient isn't going to be called Juliet, they know that. But it adds a personal touch which makes you think it is obviously meant for someone else and makes you feel bad for them.

"Hi Juliet, do you fancy the theatre tonight?" Gives you a "call to action". If you don't reply then Juliet will miss out on tickets. Liam will miss out on lunch. Sven's friend wont get a biscuit.

You don't want any of these things to happen so you send a quick reply "Hi, think you've got the wrong number".

Bam. Scammer wins this round - your number is live. And therefore it is valuable.

I’ve had accidental texts from wrong numbers, how do you distinguish genuine ones from scammers? Just wondering. I’ve also sent a text by accident to someone else so these things happen.

Oh just admit it, you were checking his phone!! Obviously it's spam, chill

Sounds v much like spam!

I have received a couple of spam WhatsApp messages and texts!

How to spot a genuine accidental text?

Tricky, but ask why do you need to. If you don't know the sender and it's clearly not for you then just ignore.

In this case:

It was WhatsApp - they'd need to add as a contact, a quick look at your picture would be enough to tell them it's not Liam if they were a genuine friend of his.

The number is from another country. Often the Philippines, China, Nigeria, Brazil, India, Turkey. Massive red flag 🚩

The photo is of some hot young woman - additional potential to harvest data or extort money.

The message is clearly not for the recipient (not called Liam) and it contains a call to action with some urgency (missed lunch) which may compel you to reply.

They add emotional, authority or time urgent content which all could trick you into giving up info.

You may reply because you think it's a genuine wrong number. Or because you think it's funny - you've given them what they wanted. Simply don't reply. If it's a genuine error then the sender will realise eventually on their own.

You may reply because you feel you're expecting the text. Is it the Inland Revenue asking you to click the link and fill out info relating to that tax return that's due next week?

Is it the government threatening you with a fine because you've missed jury service?

Have you won something? You entered a Facebook competition just earlier today on the Plough Hotel York page. You've won a meal for 4! Wow, all you need to do is complete the form and they'll send the voucher. But look 👀 their profile pic is the same one, but it's from Plough.Hotel.York
(Another example of spoofing)

Is it your Grandaughter? Hi Gran, Please don't tell mum but i'm in some trouble. Im on a friends phone because mine was stolen and they've taken my laptop too. Please send me £600 and I promise I'll explain and pay you back when I can access my online banking. It's urgent, I need it by lunchtime or I'm going to lose my job. Etc etc.

This is just very basic. There are so many extremely sophisticated scams out there. The basic text from the Philippines is checking if your number is live whilst hoping you are a horny, lonely, extremely gullible male who will think a hot young girl would randomly and accidentally land in his WhatsApp. If that's the case then they might be able to extort some money from you or other valuable data.