UK smartphone users are being warned to stay alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. The recent fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already resulted in significant financial losses for victims.
The scam typically initiates with a deceptive text pretending to be from a family member using a different phone number. The message leverages current weather conditions to create a sense of urgency and relevance. An example text might say, “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overheated and stressed. Please reach out to me on my new number – it’s urgent.”
Upon receiving a response, the scammer impersonates a distressed relative and eventually requests money transfer, often claiming it as an emergency. These scams succeed by exploiting parents’ natural instincts to assist their children, inducing panic and prompting quick reactions without verification.
If you encounter such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, contact your family member using their known phone number to ensure their safety. Report the suspicious text promptly to prevent others from falling victim to the scam.
In cases of receiving dubious messages, avoid responding, verify the sender’s identity using their usual contact information, and forward the suspicious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service. While the deception may appear obvious in retrospect, the emotionally charged messages have duped numerous individuals, especially those less familiar with technology, into sending money without validating the authenticity of the request.
The financial impact of the scam is substantial, with over £220,000 reported lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK from 2023 to 2025. To safeguard against such schemes, exercise caution with unexpected messages purporting to be from family members. Always confirm their identity through a trusted communication method before engaging or transferring funds.