UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain vigilant for a concerning new text message making its way to devices. These recent fraudulent messages resurface the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, a tactic that has already led to victims losing substantial sums of money.
The scheme kicks off with a simple text supposedly from a child using a different phone number, leveraging the current summer season to appear timely and relevant. An example message might say: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Kindly message me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon the recipient’s response, the scammer masquerades as a family member in distress and eventually requests money to be transferred, often citing an emergency situation. Report Fraud highlights the effectiveness of these scams by exploiting parents’ natural inclination to assist their children. The messages are crafted to induce panic and prompt swift action before any doubts arise regarding the legitimacy of the plea.
If you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, reach out to your family member using the contact information you already have to confirm their safety. If it is a scam, promptly report the text to aid in safeguarding others.
In case you receive a suspicious message:
– Avoid responding.
– Contact your loved one using their regular phone number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
Although the scam may appear obvious in retrospect, it has ensnared numerous victims, especially those less familiar with technology. The emotional appeal of the messages, coupled with a convincing narrative, often coerces victims into sending money without validating the request.
The financial impact of the fraud is substantial, with Action Fraud revealing that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK from 2023 to 2025. The prudent approach is to exercise caution when confronted with an unexpected message purportedly from a family member. Always verify their identity through a trusted communication method before engaging or transferring funds.