UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent deceptive messages bring back the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, a strategy that has already resulted in significant financial losses for victims.
The scheme kicks off with a simple text seemingly from a son or daughter using a different phone number, leveraging the current summer season to give a sense of timeliness. A typical message might say, “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Please reach out to me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon receiving a response, the scammer pretends to be a family member in distress and eventually requests money to be transferred, often under the guise of an emergency.
Report Fraud highlights that these scams are highly successful as they exploit parents’ innate desire to assist their children. The messages are crafted to induce panic and prompt individuals to act swiftly without questioning the authenticity of the request.
If you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, contact your relative using their known phone number to confirm their safety. If it’s a scam, report the text promptly to prevent others from falling victim.
In case of receiving a suspicious message:
– Do not engage.
– Reach out to your loved one through their usual phone number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam may appear obvious in retrospect, it has duped numerous victims, especially those less familiar with technology. The emotional manipulation in the messages constructs a convincing narrative that coerces victims into sending money without verifying the situation.
The extent of the fraud is substantial. Action Fraud reveals that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025.
The most prudent approach is to approach any unexpected message claiming to be from a family member cautiously. Always verify their identity through a trusted means of contact before responding or making any payments.