UK smartphone users are being cautioned to stay alert for a concerning new text message circulating on devices. These recent fraudulent messages resurface the infamous “Hi Mum” scam, which has already resulted in substantial financial losses for victims. The scam commences with a seemingly innocent text from a purported son or daughter using a different phone number, leveraging the current summer season to appear timely and relevant.

Typically, the message reads: “Hi Mum, I’m feeling overwhelmed and overheated. Please contact me on my new number – it’s urgent.” Upon the recipient’s response, the scammer continues to impersonate a family member in distress and eventually requests a money transfer, often under the guise of an emergency.

Report Fraud highlights the effectiveness of these scams in exploiting parents’ natural inclination to assist their children. The messages are crafted to induce panic and prompt swift action before individuals have a chance to question the authenticity of the plea.

If you receive such a message, refrain from replying. Instead, reach out to your family member using the established phone number to verify their safety. In case of a suspected scam, promptly report the text to aid in safeguarding others.

In the event of receiving a suspicious message:

– Avoid responding.
– Contact your loved one using their usual phone number.
– Forward the dubious text to 7726, the UK’s spam reporting service.

While the scam may appear obvious in retrospect, it has ensnared numerous victims, particularly those less proficient in technology. The emotional manipulation in the messages constructs a plausible narrative that coerces victims into transferring funds without validating the request.

The extent of the fraud is substantial, with Action Fraud disclosing that over £220,000 was lost to “Hi Mum” scams in the UK from 2023 to 2025. The best practice is to exercise caution when encountering unexpected messages purportedly from a family member. Always verify their identity through a trusted communication channel before engaging or making any financial transactions.