Medium riskText Message Scams

Family Emergency Text Scam

This scam sends a text from an unknown number claiming to be your child or relative who lost their phone, then urgently asks you to pay a bill or send money.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Impersonation scam
Main red flag
A message from an unknown number saying 'this is my new number' and quickly asking for money.
What to do first
Do not send money. Call your relative on their known number to confirm before doing anything.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam sends a text from an unknown number claiming to be your child or relative who lost their phone, then urgently asks you to pay a bill or send money.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Hi Mum, I dropped my phone down the toilet so this is my new number. I can't log in to my banking, can you pay an urgent bill for me? I'll pay you back tomorrow x'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A message from an unknown number claiming to be a close relative with a 'new number'
  • A reason they cannot talk or take a call, such as a broken or lost phone
  • An urgent request to pay a bill or transfer money quickly
  • Pressure to keep it between you and not mention it to others
  • A request to send money to a new or unfamiliar account or person

What to do

  • Call your relative on their usual, known number to confirm it is really them
  • Ask a question only the real person would know before sending anything
  • Do not transfer money until you have verified who you are talking to
  • Report the message to your bank if you have paid, and to your anti-fraud centre

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you sent money, contact your bank immediately to try to stop or recall the payment
  • Save the messages and the sender's number as evidence
  • Warn other family members so they are not targeted with the same story
  • Report the scam to your bank and your national anti-fraud centre

What not to do

  • Do not send money based only on a text from an unknown number
  • Do not save the new number as your relative until you have confirmed it
  • Do not feel rushed by urgency or pleas to keep it secret

Similar scams

High risk Social Media

Hacked Friend Help Scam

A message arrives from a friend's account asking for money, a verification code, or to click a link. In reality the friend's account has been taken over, and the scammer is using your trust in them to reach you.
Medium risk Text Message

Wrong Number Text Scam

This scam starts with a friendly 'wrong number' text, builds a casual conversation over time, and eventually steers you toward a fake investment.
High risk Social Media

Romance Scam DM

This scam builds an online romantic relationship through messages, then invents an emergency or investment to ask for money, while always avoiding meeting in person.

Frequently asked questions

Why is this called the 'Hi Mum' scam?
Many of these messages begin with 'Hi Mum' or 'Hi Dad' and claim the sender has a new number. The friendly opening is designed to lower your guard before the request for money.
How do scammers know I am a parent?
Often they do not. The same generic message is sent to many people, relying on some recipients having a child or relative the story could fit. The wording stays vague on purpose.
How can I be sure it is really my relative?
Call them on the number you already have saved, or ask something only they would know. Scammers usually avoid voice calls and cannot answer personal questions correctly.
What if I already sent money?
Contact your bank right away to report it and try to recall the payment, and keep the messages as evidence. The sooner you act, the better the chance of recovering funds.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.