Scammer operating Westminster honeytrap scheme for a year, online warnings issued
Last spring, warnings about the phone number used by a scammer impersonating “Abi” started to appear on a reverse lookup website. This scammer, who targeted male MPs and staff at Westminster, catfished them with flirty WhatsApp messages and explicit photos. The number used for this persona was registered to a Dutch firm that provides virtual numbers for privacy reasons. The scammer had an insider’s knowledge of Westminster, referencing locations and events, making the chats seem authentic. At least two MPs responded with X-rated snaps, exposing themselves to potential blackmail.
The scammer’s profile as “Abi” featured a picture of a young woman taken at Whitby Abbey, which was not actual her. The targets of the scam included Tory and Labour MPs, political staff, and a journalist, with a total of 13 known individuals targeted. Tory MP Luke Evans reported the incident to Leicestershire Police, while MP William Wragg admitted to being blackmailed after sending compromising images. Some of the targets did not know the MPs, indicating that more than one source may have provided the scammers with personal details. Scotland Yard confirmed they were investigating the scam, working with other forces and Parliamentary Security.
The scammer used a variety of tactics, with one target being posed as a woman named “Charlie” who claimed to have met and flirted with a journalist in a Westminster pub. The journalist received an explicit photo from “Charlie” but did not open it, informing the scammer that he was married and not interested. The scammer was able to manipulate some targets into sending compromising images, leading to potential blackmail. Despite some targets choosing not to report the incidents, the police and parliamentary authorities are investigating the matter to ensure the safety of Westminster staff.
The phone number used by the scammer impersonating “Abi” received multiple warnings on the reverse lookup website, with users reporting it as a “catfish” profile almost a year ago. More than 100 searches were made for the number since May last year, with users leaving warnings about impersonation. The scammer’s ability to accurately reference Westminster locations and events suggests inside knowledge, allowing them to create convincing chats with their targets. The involvement of multiple high-profile individuals and the potential for blackmail has raised concerns among authorities and the victims involved.
In response to the scam, Tory MP Luke Evans reported the incident to the police, while fellow Tory MP William Wragg admitted to being blackmailed after sending compromising images. The involvement of a journalist also highlighted the diverse targets of the scam, which extended beyond just politicians and staff. The authorities are actively investigating the matter and working with security agencies to address the scam. The incidents serve as a warning about the risks of online impersonation and the importance of verifying the identities of individuals in digital communications, especially in sensitive environments like Westminster.
https://therealcrimediary.com/scammer-operating-westminster-honeytrap-scheme-for-a-year-online-warnings-issued/?feed_id=19849&_unique_id=6616f02a68544
