Smartphone users in the UK are being cautioned to remain alert for a concerning new text message circulating to mobile devices.
These recent deceptive messages bring back the familiar “Hi Mum” scam, a strategy that has already led to victims losing substantial amounts of money.
The scheme kicks off with a simple text seemingly from a son or daughter using a different phone number, leveraging the current summer season to create a sense of immediacy.
A common message states: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Please reach out to me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon responding, the scammer maintains the facade of a distressed family member and eventually requests money transfer, often under the guise of an emergency.
As per Report Fraud, these scams are highly successful due to exploiting parents’ natural inclination to aid their children. The messages are crafted to induce panic and prompt immediate action, preventing individuals from questioning the authenticity of the plea.
If you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, contact your family member through the number you already have saved to confirm their safety. If it’s a scam, report the text promptly to safeguard others.
If you encounter a suspicious message:
Avoid responding.
Reach out to your loved one using their usual phone number via call or text.
Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam may appear obvious in hindsight, it has duped numerous victims, particularly those less familiar with technology who can be swayed by the emotional narrative compelling them to act without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
The scale of this fraud is substantial. Action Fraud reports that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025.
It is safest to approach any unexpected message purporting to be from a family member with caution. Always verify their identity through a trusted contact method before taking any action or transferring money.
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