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criticalSocial Media Scams2 min read

"Hi Mum" WhatsApp Scam — How This Family Impersonation Works in the UK

You received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number saying 'Hi Mum' or 'Hi Dad, this is my new number.' They claim to have lost their phone and urgently need money for a bill or emergency. This is not your child. The 'Hi Mum' scam has cost UK families millions of pounds. Here is how to verify it.

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How This Scam Works

Note: This scam typically arrives via WhatsApp, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For WhatsApp scams, report to Action Fraud — see all reporting agencies.

You receive a WhatsApp message from an unknown number saying "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad, this is my new number." They claim to have lost or broken their phone and urgently need money for a bill, a deposit, or an emergency. They ask you to transfer money to a bank account. The person messaging you is not your child.

According to Action Fraud, the "Hi Mum" scam resulted in reported losses of over 1.5 million pounds in the UK in 2022, and the scam has continued to grow since. Victims are typically parents over 50 who are targeted through the emotional urgency of believing their child is in trouble.

Red Flags

  • Message from an unknown number claiming to be your child
  • Says they have a new phone number because their old one is lost or broken
  • Asks for money urgently — for a bill, deposit, or emergency
  • Cannot make a voice or video call
  • Asks for bank transfer rather than other payment methods

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 real child would know
  • Report the WhatsApp number by pressing and holding the message, then selecting Report
  • Report to Action Fraud

Sources

Report this scam

Report in the UKAction Fraud
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk0300 123 2040
"Hi Mum" WhatsApp Scam — How This Family Impersonation Works in the UK | Scam Support