Finance expert falls for WhatsApp scam despite professional knowledge
A finance expert recounts being deceived by an online scam via WhatsApp, despite their professional expertise. The perpetrator impersonated a senior Japanese banker, a friend of 16 years. The scam failed only because previous victims had alerted authorities, not due to the author's vigilance. The author warns that new technology and connectivity enable fraud, making everyone vulnerable regardless of background.
Key facts
- Author has finance expertise but fell for online scam
- Scam conducted via WhatsApp
- Impersonator posed as a senior Japanese banker
- Author had known the real banker for 16 years
- Scam concluded without adverse results
- Previous victims helped prevent success
- New technology and connectivity enable fraud
- Author's guard was lower in private capacity