UK smartphone users are being warned about a new text message scam that is circulating and targeting 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 begins with a text message supposedly from a family member using a different phone number, leveraging current seasonal conditions to appear timely and urgent. The message typically conveys a sense of distress, prompting the recipient to respond urgently.
Once engaged, the scammer pretends to be a relative in need and eventually requests money, often under the guise of an emergency situation. These scams exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children and are designed to induce panic, compelling quick action without verification.
In the event of receiving such a message, it is advised not to respond immediately. Instead, contact the purported family member using their known phone number to verify their safety. Report any suspicious texts promptly to prevent others from falling victim to the scam.
If encountering a suspicious message, refrain from replying, reach out to your loved one using their verified phone number, and forward the text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service. While these scams may appear obvious in hindsight, they have deceived numerous individuals, particularly those less familiar with technology, through emotionally manipulative narratives pressuring them to send money without validation.
The financial impact of these scams is substantial, with over £220,000 lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025, as reported by Action Fraud. To safeguard against such fraudulent attempts, exercise caution with unexpected messages purportedly from family members, and always authenticate their identity through trusted means before responding or providing financial assistance.
