The “Hi mum” text message scam has re-emerged in Australia, with fraudsters impersonating family members to deceive parents into sending money.
Despite previous warnings, reports indicate that many Australians continue to fall victim to this scam.
More Australians falling victim to scammers:
The scam typically begins with a text message from a number not saved in the recipient’s contacts, where the sender claims to be their child who has lost or damaged their phone.
The message urges the parent to communicate via SMS or WhatsApp from the new number.
The sender then fabricates urgent financial needs, such as paying bills or replacing the broken phone, and requests money be sent to a third party.
Financial crime awareness specialist, Hannah Bingle, said scams where the sender pretends to be a loved one can be quite distressing.
“If you receive a message claiming to be from someone you know, using a new number, don’t take it at face value. Try calling them on their existing number – this way, you can quickly find out if the real person is aware of the message,” Bingle said.
“Don’t feel pressured into sending anything. A real family member or friend would be fine with you double-checking their details before handing over any money or personal information.”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has also noted an increase in reports of these scams.
To protect yourself from falling victim to this scam, consider the following tips:
- Verify the sender: If you receive a message from a new number claiming to be your child, contact them through their known channels to confirm their identity.
- Be skeptical of urgent requests: Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency, especially those asking for money to be sent to third parties.
- Discuss scams with family: Educate family members about common scams to ensure everyone is aware and vigilant.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by this scam, report the incident to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) and seek advice on the appropriate steps to take.
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