UK mobile phone users are being cautioned to remain alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent fraudulent messages revive the notorious “Hi Mum” scam, which has already led to victims losing significant amounts of money.
The scheme commences with a simple text purportedly from a son or daughter using a different phone number. It leverages the current summer season to create a sense of immediacy and relevance. A common message states: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Please text me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon responding, the scammer continues to impersonate a family member in distress and eventually requests money to be transferred, often claiming it’s an emergency. According to Report Fraud, these scams are highly successful as they exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children. The messages are crafted to instigate panic and prompt individuals to act hastily before they can question the authenticity of the request.
If you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, reach out to your family member using the phone number you have on record to verify 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 through their regular phone number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam might seem obvious in retrospect, it has deceived numerous victims, primarily targeting those less versed in technology. The emotional manipulation of the messages often constructs a plausible narrative that coerces victims into sending money without validating the request.
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 exercise caution with any unexpected message purporting to be from a family member. Always verify their identity through a trusted contact method before taking any action.
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