UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent fraudulent messages revive the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, a scheme that has already resulted in victims losing substantial sums of money.
The scam commences with a seemingly innocent text appearing to be from a child using a new phone number, leveraging the current summer season to create a sense of immediacy. A typical message might say: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling hot and stressed. Please contact me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon the recipient’s response, the fraudster pretends to be a family member in distress and eventually requests money to be transferred, often under the guise of an emergency situation. These scams are particularly effective as they exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children, inducing panic and prompting swift action without much scrutiny.
If you come across such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, reach out to your family member using the existing contact number to verify their safety. Should it be a scam, promptly report the text to aid in safeguarding others.
In case you receive a suspicious message:
– Avoid responding.
– Contact or message your loved one through their usual phone 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, particularly those less familiar with technology who are swayed by the emotional narratives in the messages, compelling them to send money without authenticating the request.
The financial impact of this fraud is substantial, with Action Fraud revealing that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. It is advisable to exercise caution when dealing with unexpected messages purporting to be from family members. Always verify their identity using a trusted communication method before responding or engaging in any monetary transactions.