UK smartphone users are being warned to stay alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These latest deceptive messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already resulted in significant financial losses for victims.
The scam starts with a seemingly innocent text from a supposed family member using a different phone number, leveraging current seasonal conditions to appear timely. A common message includes phrases like, “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Please contact me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon receiving a response, the scammer pretends to be a distressed relative and eventually requests money transfer, often under the guise of an emergency situation. These scams are successful because they exploit parents’ instinct to assist their children, inducing panic to prompt immediate action without questioning the validity of the request.
If you encounter such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, reach out to your family member using their established phone number to confirm their safety. Report any suspicious texts promptly to prevent others from falling victim to the scam.
In case you receive a dubious message:
– Avoid engaging with the sender.
– Contact your loved one through their known phone number.
– Forward the suspicious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam may appear obvious in hindsight, its emotional manipulation has ensnared numerous individuals, especially those less familiar with technology. Victims are coerced into sending money based on the convincing narrative crafted in the messages.
The financial impact of these scams is substantial, with reports indicating that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. To safeguard against such fraud, exercise caution when receiving unexpected messages purporting to be from family members. Always verify their identity through a trusted communication channel before responding or making any financial transactions.
