UK smartphone users are cautioned to remain vigilant against a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already led to substantial financial losses for victims.
The scam starts with a seemingly innocent text supposedly from a family member using a new phone number, leveraging current summer conditions to appear timely and relevant. One 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 impersonates a distressed family member and eventually requests money, often under the guise of an emergency. Report Fraud notes that these schemes are highly successful as they exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children, inducing panic and prompting swift action before skepticism sets in.
If you encounter such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, contact your loved one using the established phone number to confirm their safety. Should it be a scam, report the text promptly to safeguard others.
In case of a suspicious message:
– Avoid responding.
– Reach out to your family member using their usual contact number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.
While the scam may appear obvious in retrospect, it has duped numerous victims, particularly those less familiar with technology who succumb to the emotionally charged messages and persuasive narratives compelling them to send money without verification.
The financial impact of the scam is substantial, with Action Fraud revealing that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. The best course of action is to exercise caution when faced with unexpected messages purporting to be from family members. Always authenticate their identity through a trusted communication channel before responding or making any financial transactions.