UK smartphone users are being warned to remain cautious as a concerning new text message scam circulates widely. These fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already caused significant financial losses to unsuspecting victims.
The scam starts with a seemingly innocent text from a supposed family member using a new phone number, leveraging current seasonal conditions to appear timely. The message typically conveys a sense of urgency, with lines like “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Please reach out on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Once the recipient engages, the scammer masquerades as a distressed relative in need and eventually requests money transfer, often under the guise of an emergency situation. These scams are particularly effective as they prey on parents’ instinct to assist their children, inducing panic and prompting quick reactions without due verification.
In case you receive such a dubious message, refrain from responding and verify the safety of your loved one through their established contact details. Report the fraudulent text promptly to prevent further harm to others. If in doubt:
– Avoid replying to the message.
– Contact your family member using their usual number.
– Forward the suspicious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam may seem obvious in hindsight, its emotional manipulation has caught many off guard. Victims, especially those less adept with technology, can fall for the persuasive narrative, leading them to send money without validating the authenticity of the plea.
The financial impact of these scams is substantial, with Action Fraud revealing that over £220,000 was defrauded through “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. To stay safe, exercise caution with any unexpected communication purporting to be from a family member. Always confirm their identity using a trusted channel before taking any action.
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