Smartphone users in the UK are being cautioned to remain vigilant against a new text message scam that is circulating. This deceptive scheme, known as the “Hi Mum” scam, has already led to substantial financial losses for victims.
The scam starts with a seemingly innocent text message from a supposed family member using a different phone number, leveraging the current season to appear more convincing. The content of the message typically plays on emotions, stating urgent matters and requesting a response.
Once the recipient engages, the scammer impersonates a family member in distress and eventually solicits money, often fabricating emergencies to pressure the victim into transferring funds.
Reports indicate that these scams are successful due to exploiting the natural inclination of parents to assist their children. The messages are crafted to induce panic, prompting quick reactions before recipients can verify the authenticity of the situation.
If you receive such a message, refrain from responding. Instead, reach out to your family member through their known contact information to confirm their safety. Report any suspicious texts promptly to prevent further harm to others.
In case of receiving a questionable message:
– Avoid replying directly.
– Contact your loved one through their established phone number.
– Forward the suspicious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While these scams may appear obvious after the fact, they have duped numerous individuals, particularly those less familiar with technology. The emotional manipulation in the messages often constructs a compelling narrative that coerces victims into sending money without verifying the situation.
The financial impact of these scams is significant, with Action Fraud revealing 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 validate their identity through trusted means before taking any action.