WhatsApp users in the UK are being warned about a prevalent scam known as the “Hi mum” threat. This deceptive tactic has already resulted in significant financial losses for unsuspecting individuals who fall victim to the scheme.

The scam typically begins with a message starting with “Hi mum” or “Hi dad,” followed by a conversation claiming that the sender has lost their phone and urgently needs money to replace it. This ploy has proven to be highly profitable for cybercriminals, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant against such fraudulent activities.

To raise awareness and prevent more WhatsApp users from falling prey to this scam, Action Fraud has issued a reminder urging UK consumers to exercise caution. The organization advises verifying the identity of anyone making unusual financial requests on WhatsApp by contacting them directly through other means outside of the messaging platform.

In addition, Action Fraud recommends blocking suspicious messages and reporting any incidents of falling victim to the scam. Users are encouraged to report spam messages within WhatsApp by selecting the “Report” option and following the provided instructions. If money has been lost as a result of the scam, individuals are urged to report the incident to Action Fraud for further investigation.

The key advice is to refrain from responding to messages from unknown numbers and to verify the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from a family member by contacting them through verified channels. By remaining cautious and taking prompt action, users can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.