UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These fresh fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already resulted in victims losing large sums of money.
The deceptive tactic initiates with a simple text seemingly from a child using a new phone number, leveraging the current summer season to appear current and relevant. A common message states: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling very hot and stressed. Please reach out to me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon replying, the scammer pretends to be a family member in distress and eventually requests money to be transferred, often claiming it’s an emergency. These scams are effective as they exploit parents’ instinct to assist their children, inducing panic and prompting quick responses without verification.
If you receive such a message, refrain from responding. Instead, contact your family member using their existing phone number to confirm their safety. If it is a scam, report the text promptly to prevent further harm.
In the event of receiving a suspicious message:
– Avoid replying.
– Reach out to your loved one using their usual contact number.
– Forward the suspicious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
Although the scam may appear obvious in retrospect, it has ensnared numerous victims, particularly those less familiar with technology. The emotional manipulation employed in these messages creates a compelling narrative, pressuring victims to act impulsively without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
The financial impact of these scams is considerable, with Action Fraud reporting over £220,000 lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. It is advisable to exercise caution when encountering unexpected messages purporting to be from family members. Always authenticate their identity through a trusted means of communication before engaging or transferring funds.