UK mobile phone users are being cautioned to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, a scheme that has already caused victims to lose substantial amounts of money.
The strategy commences with a simple text supposedly sent by a child using a different phone number, leveraging the current summer season to appear timely and relevant. A common message includes phrases like: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Please reach out to me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon responding, the scammer pretends to be a family member in distress and eventually requests a transfer of money, often under the guise of an emergency. These scams persist as they exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children by instilling panic and prompting quick action before doubt sets in regarding the authenticity of the request.
Should you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, contact your family member using their existing phone number to confirm their safety. In the event of a scam, promptly report the text to aid in safeguarding others.
If you encounter a suspicious message:
– Avoid responding.
– Reach out to your loved one through their usual contact number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the spam reporting service in the UK.
While the scam might appear obvious in retrospect, it has ensnared numerous victims, particularly those less versed in technology who fall prey to the emotional manipulation and convincing narratives that coerce them into sending money without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
The extent of the fraud is substantial, with Action Fraud revealing that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. The most secure approach is to exercise caution with any unexpected message purporting to be from a family member, always validating their identity through a trusted communication channel before taking any action.
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