"Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad" WhatsApp Scam — Australia and NZ Warning
A WhatsApp message from a new number says it is your son or daughter with a new phone. They soon ask for money to pay a bill or cover an emergency. In Australia and New Zealand, the 'Hi Mum' scam has been the fastest-growing fraud type. Always verify by calling your child's old number before responding.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — Fastest-Growing Fraud in Australia and NZ
The "Hi Mum" scam has been one of the fastest-growing fraud types in Australia and New Zealand. Always verify by calling your child's known number.
Note: This scam typically arrives via WhatsApp or text message, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For WhatsApp scams, report to Scamwatch (AU) or Netsafe (NZ) — see all reporting agencies.
A WhatsApp message from a new number says it is your son or daughter with a new phone. They soon ask for money to pay a bill or cover an emergency. In Australia and New Zealand, the "Hi Mum" scam has been one of the fastest-growing fraud types, specifically targeting parents and grandparents.
According to the ACCC's Scamwatch, "Hi Mum" or family impersonation scams resulted in reported losses of over $7.2 million to Australians in 2022. The scam has continued as a major fraud type in subsequent years. In New Zealand, Netsafe has issued similar warnings about the growing prevalence of this scam.
Red Flags
- WhatsApp message from an unknown number claiming to be your child
- Says their old phone is lost, broken, or damaged
- Asks for money urgently via bank transfer
- Cannot voice or video call to prove who they are
- May send a follow-up message with bank account details
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not send money
- Call your child on their known phone number to verify
- Ask a personal question only your child would know
- Report the WhatsApp number within the app
- Report to Scamwatch (AU) or Netsafe (NZ)
Sources
- ACCC Scamwatch (2022) — "Hi Mum" scam losses exceeding $7.2 million in Australia
- Netsafe NZ — Family impersonation scam warnings