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 are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, a scheme that has already resulted in significant financial losses for victims.
The scam starts with a seemingly innocent text supposedly sent by a family member using a new phone number, leveraging the current summer season to create an immediate sense of relevance. An example message might say: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Please contact me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon responding to the initial message, the scammer impersonates a distressed family member and eventually requests for money to be transferred, often under the guise of an emergency situation. Report Fraud highlights that these scams are particularly effective as they exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children, utilizing tactics to induce panic and prompt quick reactions without much scrutiny.
If you happen to receive such a message, it is advised not to engage. Instead, reach out to your family member using the contact information you already have stored to verify their safety. Should it turn out to be a scam, report the text promptly to aid in safeguarding others from falling victim.
In case you receive a suspicious message:
– Refrain from replying.
– Contact your loved one via their usual phone number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam may appear obvious in retrospect, it has duped numerous individuals, especially those less familiar with technology. The emotional manipulation in the messages weaves a convincing narrative that coerces victims into sending money without authenticating the request.
The extent of the scam’s impact is substantial, with Action Fraud disclosing that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. The safest approach is to exercise caution with any unexpected message purporting to be from a family member. Always verify their identity through a trusted communication channel before responding or entertaining monetary requests.
