UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. The latest fraudulent messages are a revival of the notorious “Hi Mum” scam, which has already resulted in victims losing significant sums of money.
The scam initiates with a seemingly innocent text purportedly sent by a family member using a new phone number, leveraging the current summer season to give an appearance of immediacy. A common message might say: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overwhelmed and overheated. Please reach out to me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon responding, the scammer masquerades as a distressed relative in need and eventually requests money to be transferred, often under the guise of an emergency situation.
Report Fraud notes that 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 questioning the authenticity of the plea.
If you receive such a message, it is advised not to engage. Instead, contact your family member using the established phone number to verify their safety. Should it be a scam, promptly report the text to aid in safeguarding others.
In the event of receiving a suspicious message:
– Refrain from replying.
– Reach out to your loved one through 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 duped numerous victims, particularly those less adept with technology who are swayed by the emotional narrative of the messages. These narratives often construct a believable scenario that coerces victims into transferring money without validating the request.
The extent of the fraud is substantial, with Action Fraud disclosing that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. The prudent approach is to exercise caution with any unexpected message purporting to be from a family member. Always verify their identity using a trusted means of contact before responding or making any financial transactions.