UK smartphone users are being warned about a new text message scam circulating that targets unsuspecting individuals. These fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already resulted in significant financial losses for victims.
The scam typically starts with a text message supposedly from a family member, claiming to be in distress due to the summer heat and requesting urgent contact on a new phone number. Subsequently, the fraudster, posing as the family member, manipulates the situation to request money under the guise of an emergency.
Reports indicate that these scams are successful because they exploit parents’ natural instinct to help their children, inducing panic and prompting quick responses without verifying the authenticity of the request.
If you receive such a message, it is advised not to respond immediately. Instead, reach out to your family member using their known phone number to confirm their safety. Suspicious messages should be reported promptly to prevent further scams.
In case of a suspicious message, refrain from replying, contact your loved one through their established number, and forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service. Despite the apparent simplicity of the scam in hindsight, many individuals have fallen victim to its emotional manipulation, leading to substantial financial losses totaling over £220,000 between 2023 and 2025, as reported by Action Fraud.
To safeguard against such scams, exercise caution when receiving unexpected messages claiming to be from family members. Always verify the sender’s identity through a reliable communication channel before engaging or transferring any funds.