Parents warned of Peppa Pig's scam on Whatsapp doing the rounds while school holidays begin

A new WhatsApp scam goes around trying to trick parents by giving them their details in exchange for five passes at Paultons Theme Park – Peppa Pig World's home.

The Hampshire attraction, which is considered the UK's best theme park on Trip Advisor, sent a warning to families about the scam via their Twitter page

"We have been informed that a 500 family message to Paultons are shared on WhatsApp, "the message read.

"Please note that this is not an authentic offer and is not associated with Paultons Park. We advise you not to click the link or share the message.

Five passes worth £ 166.25 if purchased the day

WhatsApp scams are becoming more common – with messages arriving on your phone seeming to come from a friend, a member of the family or colleague, reports MirrorOnline.

But Action Fraud warns if you click on the URL to which you are redirected to a fake website designed to incite you to transmit personal information. [19659002WorseonceyouclickonthescammersyoucancollectcookiesActionFraudalsowarnedearlierthisyearthatscammerswereincitingWhatsAppuserstodownloadafakeversionof"WhatsAppGold"ontheirphone"1965-19009] that infected the Android devices with malware.

How to protect yourself

Action Fraud offers the following tips to protect you from WhatsApp scams:

• Install security software on your device and keep it up-to-date.
• Never click on unsolicited links you receive, even if they seem to come from a trusted contact.
• Follow WhatsApp's advice to stay safe while using the messaging service.

To report a case of fraud and cybercrime and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use its online fraud reporting tool.