Police warn shoppers in Spain about Zara WhatsApp scam

THE National Police have warned of a new WhatsApp messaging scam that offers a bogus €150 coupon for Zara.

A message circulating through the app promises a gift voucher of €150 to spend in the high street clothing store in exchange for handing over personal details.

But investigators say that these scammers just want to add the data to malware or use it to charge people for premium text messages.

Police used the hashtag #NoPiques (don’t take the bait) on twitter to spread the word and help to stop people from falling for the scheme.

This is not the first time that con artists have used WhatsApp to spread this type of scam. A few months ago, police alerted the public to a hoax that promised casting on TV shows Big Brother or The Voice to get people to hand over their personal information or call pricey hotlines.

The supermarket chain Mercadona was also targeted a year ago when fraudulent messages were circulated through the app offering €250 vouchers to spend in the stores.