Understanding the Hi Mum Scam and How to Protect Your Family from Impersonation Fraud

“Hi Mum, I’ve lost my phone. This is my new number.”

This message seems harmless, even familiar. It sounds like something your child might send when they get a new phone. But across the UK, including Essex, Southend-on-Sea, and Leigh-on-Sea, this simple text has become the start of a costly scam. Families have lost thousands of pounds after falling victim to this impersonation fraud. Knowing how this scam works and how to protect your family is essential.

What Is the Hi Mum Scam?

The Hi Mum scam, sometimes called the Hi Dad scam, is a type of impersonation fraud. Scammers send a message pretending to be your son or daughter. They claim they lost their phone and ask you to save their new number. The message looks casual and friendly, with no immediate requests or warning signs. This approach lowers your guard and builds trust.

After a few friendly exchanges, the scammer creates a sense of urgency. They say they need money quickly, often for an emergency bill or a problem with their bank account. The goal is to trick you into sending money before you realise something is wrong.

How the Scam Works

Understanding the scam’s steps helps you spot it early and avoid losing money.

Step 1 — The First Message

You get a WhatsApp or text message from an unknown number:

“Hi Mum, it’s me. I’ve got a new number — can you save it?”

This message feels normal. You might reply without hesitation because it sounds like your child.

Step 2 — Building Trust

The scammer keeps the conversation going. They chat casually, ask how you are, or mention something vague about their day. This makes the interaction feel genuine. There is no request for money yet, so you don’t suspect anything.

Step 3 — Creating Urgency

After a while, the tone changes:

“I really need your help. I need to pay a bill urgently but I can’t access my banking right now.”

The scammer might say their banking app isn’t working or that they’re locked out of their account. They may mention a specific amount, often in the hundreds of pounds, and ask you to send money quickly.

Why This Scam Works

This scam succeeds because it plays on emotions and trust. Parents want to help their children, especially in emergencies. The scammer’s friendly tone and gradual build-up make the request seem believable. The urgency pressures you to act fast, reducing the chance you’ll stop to think or check.

Real-Life Examples

In Essex, several families have reported losing thousands of pounds after responding to these messages. One case involved a mother who sent £1,200 after receiving a message from a number claiming to be her son. The scammer said he was stuck abroad and needed money for a hotel. Only later did she realise the message was fake.

Another example comes from Southend-on-Sea, where a father was asked to pay a bill for his “daughter.” The scammer said her bank account was frozen, and she needed help urgently. The father transferred £850 before confirming with his daughter that she was safe and had not sent any message.

How to Protect Your Family

Here are practical steps to avoid falling victim to the Hi Mum scam:

• Verify the number: If you get a message from a new number claiming to be your child, call them on their old number or another trusted contact before replying.

• Ask questions only your child would know: Scammers often cannot answer personal questions correctly.

• Be cautious with urgent money requests: Always double-check before sending money, especially if the request comes from a new number.

• Warn other family members: Share information about this scam with relatives who might also be targeted.

• Use two-factor authentication: Encourage your family to secure their accounts to prevent scammers from accessing their phones or apps.

• Report suspicious messages: Contact your phone provider or local authorities if you suspect a scam.

  
  

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you have sent money to a scammer:

• Contact your bank immediately to try to stop the transaction.

• Report the scam to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.

• Inform your phone provider about the scam message.

• Change passwords and secure your accounts.

• Talk to your family about what happened to prevent future scams.

  
  

Staying Alert and Protecting Your Family

The Hi Mum scam is a reminder that scammers use familiar voices and trusted relationships to trick people. Being aware of how the scam works and staying cautious with unexpected messages can save you from financial loss.

Always verify new numbers, question urgent money requests, and keep communication open with your family. Sharing this knowledge helps protect not just yourself but your entire community.