Netherlands: 'friend in need' WhatsApp fraud

A family member writes from an unknown number saying they have a new phone. A bill must be paid right now because their banking app is down. Dutch police list this as its own fraud category. Warning signs: New number and no phone call possible; Immediate payment to an unfamiliar account; Emotional pressure instead of a voice message. What to do: Call the old number, inform your bank and report it. Typical loss: €500–€10,000.