New twist on ‘Hi Mum’ scam sees criminals impersonating parents in text messages
North Wales Police have warned residents to be on guard for text messages that appear to come from a parent claiming to have lost or forgotten their bank card and asking for money.
NWP Cyber Crime issued the warning after seeing a rise in reports of the scam, in which fraudsters pose as a parent and ask a grown-up child to help cover a bill.
The texts are a twist on the long-running “Hi Mum” and “Hi Dad” scam, where criminals impersonate a son or daughter on WhatsApp or other messaging platforms.
In the new version, the message comes the other way — appearing to be from a parent rather than a child.
The messages typically carry a strong sense of urgency, with the sender claiming to have forgotten or taken the wrong card while out on a household errand, such as filling up at a petrol station or doing the weekly shop.
Bank account details are supplied in the same message.
North Wales Police said: “Look out for text messages that appear to be from a family member claiming to have forgotten or lost their card and asking you to transfer money to help them out.”
“We have warned many times over the last few years about the ‘Hi Mum’ or ‘Hi Dad’ scams that impersonate family members on WhatsApp and other messaging platforms.”
Police are urging anyone who receives a message of this kind not to reply within the same message thread.
Instead, people should call or contact the relative using the number already stored in their phone to check the request is genuine.
North Wales Police said: “Do not reply directly in the message stream.”
“If you are concerned, call or contact your relative on the number already stored in your phone to confirm it’s real.”
“Never send money without being sure who you are sending it to.”
Scam messages received on WhatsApp can be reported by pressing and holding the message bubble, selecting “Report” and following the instructions.
Suspicious text messages can be forwarded free of charge to 7726.
Anyone who has already transferred money should contact their bank immediately and report the matter to North Wales Police on 101 or via the force’s website.
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