The 'Hi Mum, this is my new number' scam
"Hi Mum, I've lost my phone, this is my new number." The family impersonation scam starts with a believable message and always ends with a request for money.
How it works
The PSNI describes it: a fraudster pretending to be a family member, often a son or daughter, says they are messaging from a new number because their phone was lost or damaged. Once you reply, they quickly move the conversation on and ask for money, usually to pay a bill. It often runs on WhatsApp, but it can also be a text or a phone call.
The check that stops it
- Call the number you already have saved for that person.
- Does it sound like them? Look at the tone and language.
- Still unsure: ask a question only your family member could answer.
If you have already sent money, call your bank straight away, then report it to Report Fraud (Scotland: Police Scotland on 101).
Sources
- PSNI, family impersonation: PSNI, How to spot a WhatsApp family impersonation scam: "They will say they are messaging from a new number as their phone was lost or damaged. ... the 'child' is short of money or is late paying bills, and asks the recipient to transfer money into an account." "Call the original number you have saved for that person to verify" — https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/scams-and-fraud/whatsapp-family-impersonation-scam, read on 2026-09-29
- Report Fraud: Action Fraud / City of London Police press release, 4 Dec 2025: "From Thursday 4 December 2025, anyone needing to report cyber crime or fraud will be directed to our new Report Fraud service. Report Fraud has replaced Action Fraud, for use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. People affected by cyber crime or fraud in Scotland should continue to call Police Scotland using the 101 telephone number. ... reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040." — https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/news.nsf/articles/Report+Fraud+service+goes+live+04122025143000; https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/, read on 2026-09-29
Frequently asked questions
- What should I do if I get a 'Hi Mum' text?
- Do not send anything. Call the number you already have for your child or relative to check.
- Can I check the new number?
- The number checker shows the kind of number and its Ofcom range, but a scammer can use an ordinary mobile too. The check that matters is calling the number you already have for them.
More guides
- Why do I keep getting loan texts, and how do I stop them?
The UK rules on marketing texts, what the ICO fined a loan-text firm for in 2026, and the steps that make the texts stop: don't reply, 7726, ICO.
- How to forward a scam text to 7726 (iPhone and Android)
Step by step for iPhone and Android, from the NCSC: what 7726 does with your report, what it costs, and what to do if 7726 does not work.
- HMRC scam texts: tax refund messages and where to report them
What HMRC says it does and does not send by text, the tax refund pattern, and where to forward a fake: 60599 or phishing@hmrc.gov.uk.
- Parcel delivery scam texts: missed delivery and redelivery fees
The missed-delivery texts Royal Mail has published as scams: a small fee, a shortened link, a lookalike site. How to check a parcel safely.
Last updated 2026-09-29. Independent information service. Number data from Ofcom shows the original range holder; numbers can be ported or spoofed. Not affiliated with Ofcom, the FCA, the ICO or any police service.