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UK scam guide · updated 27 September 2026

The “Hi Mum” WhatsApp scam

A message from an unknown number says “Hi Mum” (or Dad), explains they've lost or broken their phone and this is their new number, then asks for money for an urgent bill because their banking app doesn't work on the new phone.

What it looks like

  • “Hi Mum/Dad, this is my new number, my phone broke” from a number you don't have saved
  • A request to delete the old number and save this one
  • Moving the chat to WhatsApp if it started by text
  • An urgent bill or payment to a friend's or landlord's account, “I'll pay you back tomorrow”
  • Excuses when you ask to talk on the phone or a video call

What the real organisations say

  • “They will say they are messaging from a new number as their phone was lost or damaged.”

  • “Call the original number you have saved for that person to verify that you are messaging a family member.”

  • “If you're unsure of an unknown contact's identity, ask them personal questions to confirm their identity. You could also confirm their identity with a voice or video call.”

When Action Fraud (now Report Fraud) first warned about “friend in need” WhatsApp scams, it had received 1,235 reports between 3 February and 21 June 2022, with £1.5 million lost. Source

What our visitors report

No visitor has reported “hi mum” / family on whatsapp scams on WhoCalledLookup yet. If you’ve had one, add it with the form below so the next person who checks it sees it.

What to do

  1. 1

    Call the number you already have for them

    Or ask a question only they could answer, or ask for a voice or video call.

  2. 2

    Report and block the chat

    In WhatsApp, press and hold the message, choose Report, then block. If it came by text, forward it to 7726.

  3. 3

    Sent money?

    Call your bank straight away on 159, then report to Report Fraud (0300 123 2040), or Police Scotland on 101.

    Report Fraud (replaced Action Fraud on 4 Dec 2025) ↗

Had one? Report it

Your report helps the next person who checks the same message, link or number. It’s published as a visitor report after our daily moderation.

What did you get?

Before saving we automatically remove names, phone numbers other than the scammer’s, email addresses, postcodes, street addresses, and card, sort-code and account numbers, and we keep only the host of any link. Please name only the organisation the scammer pretended to be; don’t accuse a real business or person. See our privacy notice.

“Hi Mum” WhatsApp scams: FAQs

How does the Hi Mum scam work?

Scammers message from an unknown number pretending to be your child or relative, say they've lost or damaged their phone, and ask for money for an urgent bill. PSNI's advice is to call the original number you have saved for that person.

How can I tell if it's really my child?

Call them on the number you already have, ask a question only they would know, or ask for a voice or video call, as WhatsApp suggests. Scammers avoid calls.

I replied but didn't send money. What now?

Stop replying, report and block the chat in WhatsApp. You haven't lost anything, but don't share codes or details if they message again.

Can I get my money back?

Call your bank at once on 159 or the number on your card; banks can sometimes stop or reimburse payments if they're told quickly. Then report it to Report Fraud.

Sources (checked 26 September 2026)

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