It starts with a simple, almost heartwarming message: ‘Hi mum, I’ve lost my phone.’
For many of us, especially those with adult children or grandkids, it’s the kind of text that tugs at the heartstrings and sends us straight into ‘parent mode’.
But beware—this innocent-looking message could be the start of a sophisticated scam that’s costing Australians dearly.
The anatomy of the ‘hi mum’ scam
The scam is as clever as it is cruel. It usually begins with a WhatsApp or SMS message from an unknown number, claiming to be your child, a close friend, or even a parent.
The story is always urgent: they’ve lost their phone, can’t access their bank account, and desperately need your help. Sometimes, the scammer claims to be using a friend’s phone, adding a layer of believability.
The next step? A request for money. It might be to pay rent, cover an emergency bill, or buy a new phone. The scammer will provide bank details—but not in the name you recognise.
Instead, you’ll be asked to transfer funds to an account supposedly belonging to a ‘friend’ or ‘landlord’. The amounts requested are often oddly specific, designed to seem more genuine.
Why are these scams so effective?
According to data from major banks like Santander, scammers pretending to be someone’s son are the most successful, followed by those posing as daughters or mothers.
The emotional pull is strong—after all, who wouldn’t want to help a loved one in distress?
But the scam is evolving. Chris Ainsley, head of fraud risk management at Santander, warns that fraudsters are now using artificial intelligence to create convincing voice notes.
These AI-generated messages can mimic your loved one’s voice, making the scam even more challenging to spot.
What does a typical scam message look like?
- The message comes from an unknown number but claims to be someone close to you.
- The story is generic but urgent: lost phone, locked out of bank account, needs help.
- The scammer is willing to chat, but details remain vague.
- There’s pressure to act quickly and send money to a new, unfamiliar account.
How to protect yourself
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
1. Pause and Verify:
If you receive a message like this, don’t panic. Try to contact your loved one on their usual number or through another method. If you can’t reach them immediately, don’t rush to send money.
2. Ask a Personal Question:
Scammers often don’t know personal details. Ask a question only your real child or friend would know the answer to.
3. Set Up a Family Password:
Consider creating a family password or code word that you can use to verify each other’s identity in emergencies.
4. Be Wary of Unfamiliar Bank Accounts:
Never transfer money to an account you don’t recognise, even if the request seems urgent.
5. Report Suspicious Messages:
On WhatsApp, you can report messages directly in the app.
Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726 (which goes to your phone provider).
You can also report scams to Scamwatch or the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
6. If You’ve Sent Money, Act Fast:
Contact your bank immediately. The sooner you act, the better the chance of recovering your funds.
Why are older Australians targeted?
Scammers often target older Australians, knowing we’re more likely to have savings and a strong desire to help family. Plus, with so many of us embracing technology to stay in touch, it’s easy to let our guard down when a message tugs at our heartstrings.
The prevalent scam is still claiming victims years after it first appeared in Australia. Image source: Photo by Lindsey LaMont on Unsplash
The rise of AI in scams
The use of AI to mimic voices and craft convincing messages is a worrying new trend. It means that even if you receive a voice note, you can’t be sure it’s really from your loved one. This makes it more important than ever to have a verification system in place.
What to do if you’re a victim
If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, don’t be embarrassed—it can happen to anyone. Here’s what to do:
- Contact your bank immediately to try to stop the payment.
- Report the scam to Scamwatch and your local police.
- Let friends and family know, so they can be on alert.
Staying safe in a digital world
As technology evolves, so do the tricks scammers use. The best defence is to stay informed, be cautious, and talk openly with your family about these risks. Remember, it’s always okay to double-check—your real loved ones will understand.
Have you or someone you know received a suspicious message like this? How did you handle it? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below—your story could help protect others!
Also read: Crypto text scam alert: How scammers are targeting Australians
This Scam would never work with me, my children are aged between 43 & 55, Married with there own children, and grandchildren.
I had one of these and was immediately suspicious so I replied asking if it was really her because she didn’t address me as mummy. My daughter would walk on water before she called me mummy. The reply I got back was, sorry about that mummy. Text deleted. I had to confirm if it was a scam or my daughter had really lost her phone.