Scammers are making a comeback, targeting WhatsApp and other messaging app users with a deceptive tactic known as the “Hi mum” scam. Victims are lured into sending money to impostors posing as family members in distress. The fraudulent scheme has resulted in significant financial losses, affecting many individuals.
The scam typically begins with a simple message like “Hi, mum” or “Hi, dad”, followed by manipulative tactics to coerce victims into making quick payments without proper consideration. Adding to the concern is the use of artificial intelligence to create voice messages that mimic the voices of loved ones, making the deception more convincing.
Chris Ainsley, Santander’s head of fraud risk management, highlighted the emerging trend of scammers utilizing AI technology to craft realistic WhatsApp and SMS voice notes, further enhancing the authenticity of the scam. Ainsley advised users to verify unexpected money requests on social platforms by directly contacting the person in question.
Security experts caution users to exercise caution when responding to messages requesting money or starting with phrases like “Hi mum”. Luis Corrons, Security Evangelist at Norton, emphasized that scammers exploit emotions by leveraging trust and urgency to execute these schemes effectively. Norton has issued essential tips to protect against such attacks, including verifying messages with known contact information, being wary of generic language, questioning financial emergencies, establishing a safe word for identity confirmation, and staying informed about potential scams while ensuring device security with reliable software.
To safeguard against these threats, it is crucial for users to remain vigilant and implement proactive measures to protect themselves and their loved ones.