UK smartphone users are being cautioned to remain alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. The latest fraudulent messages are a resurgence of the notorious “Hi Mum” scam, which has already led to victims losing substantial amounts of money.

The deceptive scheme initiates with a seemingly innocent text purportedly from a child using a different phone number. Leveraging the current summer season to appear timely, the messages aim to create a sense of urgency.

Typical messages might say, “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overwhelmed and overheated. Please reach out to me on my new number – it’s urgent.” If the recipient responds, the scammer continues to impersonate a family member in distress and eventually requests money, often under the guise of an emergency.

According to Report Fraud, these scams are particularly effective as they exploit parents’ natural inclination to assist their children. The messages are crafted to induce panic and prompt quick action without giving the recipient time to doubt the authenticity of the request.

If you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, contact your family member using their existing phone number to confirm their safety. If it appears to be a scam, promptly report the text to prevent others from falling victim.

In case you receive a suspicious message:

– Avoid responding directly.
– Reach out to your loved one through their usual contact number.
– Forward the questionable text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.

While the scam may seem obvious in retrospect, it has duped numerous individuals, especially those less familiar with technology. The emotional manipulation in the messages crafts a plausible narrative that coerces victims into transferring money without verifying the situation.

The financial impact of the fraud is significant, with Action Fraud reporting over £220,000 lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. To stay safe, exercise caution when confronted with unexpected messages purporting to be from family members. Always authenticate their identity through a trusted communication method before responding or engaging in any financial transactions.