UK smartphone users are being warned about a new text message scam circulating that targets individuals by posing as a family member in need of urgent assistance. The fraudulent messages, reminiscent of the notorious “Hi Mum” scam, have already resulted in significant financial losses for victims.
The scam involves receiving a message from an unknown number, typically claiming to be a distressed family member seeking immediate contact. The text often references the current weather conditions to appear genuine and time-sensitive. Subsequently, the scammer impersonates a relative in crisis, eventually requesting money under the guise of an emergency situation.
These scams prey on the innate desire of parents to aid their children and are designed to instigate panic, prompting quick and unquestioning responses from recipients. If individuals receive such messages, it is advised not to engage but to verify the safety of the purported family member using established contact details. Reporting suspicious texts promptly to the designated service can help prevent further victimization.
The effectiveness of these scams lies in their emotional manipulation, which can deceive even tech-savvy individuals. Victims are often coerced into transferring money based on the convincing narrative presented in the messages, without verifying the authenticity of the request.
Action Fraud has reported substantial financial losses amounting to over £220,000 due to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK between 2023 and 2025. To safeguard against such fraudulent schemes, individuals are urged to exercise caution when responding to unexpected messages from alleged family members, confirming their identity through trusted communication channels before taking any action.
