UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain vigilant for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already caused victims to lose substantial amounts of money.
The scam commences with a seemingly innocent text from a supposed son or daughter using a new phone number, exploiting the current summer season to appear current and relevant. A common message might say: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling hot and stressed. Please reach me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon the recipient’s reply, the scammer masquerades as a family member in distress and eventually requests a money transfer, often under the guise of an emergency. These scams are highly effective in exploiting parents’ natural inclination to assist their children, creating urgency and prompting quick responses without thorough scrutiny of the legitimacy of the appeal.
If you encounter such a message, refrain from responding. Instead, contact your family member using their existing phone number to ensure their safety. If it is indeed a scam, promptly report the text to aid in safeguarding others.
In case you receive a suspicious message:
– Avoid replying.
– Reach out to your loved one using their regular phone number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam may appear obvious in retrospect, it has deceived numerous victims, particularly those less familiar with technology, by leveraging emotional manipulation and persuasive narratives to coerce individuals into sending money without verifying the authenticity of the request.
The financial impact of the fraud is substantial, with Action Fraud reporting that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. It is advisable to approach any unexpected message purporting to be from a family member with caution, always confirming their identity through a trusted communication channel before taking any action.
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