UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already caused victims to lose substantial amounts of money.
The scheme initiates with a seemingly innocent text supposedly from a child using a new phone number, leveraging the current summer season to appear timely. An example 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 reply, the scammer impersonates a distressed family member and eventually requests money transfer, often under the guise of an emergency situation. These scams are particularly effective as they exploit parents’ instinct to assist their children by inducing panic and prompting quick reactions before doubts arise about the authenticity of the request.
In case you encounter such a message, refrain from responding. Instead, contact your relative using their established phone number to confirm their safety. If it’s a scam, promptly report the text to prevent others from falling victim.
If you receive a suspicious message:
– Do not engage.
– Reach out to your loved one using their usual contact number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
Although the scam may appear obvious in hindsight, it has ensnared numerous victims, especially those less adept with technology who succumb to the emotional manipulation within the messages. The narrative often weaves a convincing tale, pressuring victims into sending money without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
The financial impact of these scams is substantial, with over £220,000 lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025, as per Action Fraud. The recommended approach is to approach any unexpected message purporting to be from a family member with skepticism. Always verify the sender’s identity using a trusted method before responding or making any transactions.