UK smartphone users are being cautioned to stay alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. The latest fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already caused victims significant financial losses.
The scam starts with a seemingly innocent text supposedly from a family member using a different phone number, leveraging current seasonal conditions to appear timely and relevant. A common message might say: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Please contact me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Once the recipient responds, the scammer masquerades as a relative in distress and eventually requests money transfer, often claiming it’s an urgent situation. These scams are particularly effective as they exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children, inducing panic and prompting quick action without much scrutiny.
If you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, reach out to your family member using their known phone number to verify their safety. If it turns out to be a scam, promptly report the text to prevent others from falling victim.
In case of any suspicious message:
– Avoid responding.
– Contact your loved one through their usual contact number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam might seem obvious afterward, it has duped numerous victims, especially those less familiar with technology. The emotional manipulation in the messages constructs a plausible narrative that coerces victims into sending money without validating the request.
The impact of this fraud is substantial, with Action Fraud reporting over £220,000 lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. To stay safe, exercise caution with unexpected messages claiming to be from family members. Always authenticate their identity through a trusted communication method before engaging or making any financial transactions.