- cybercrime-prevention
- online-scams
- digital-safety
Discover how the 'Hi Mum' scam targets Australian parents through deceptive text messages. Learn the warning signs, protection methods, and what to do if you've been scammed.
Understanding the Hi Mum Scam Phenomenon
Australian families are facing a growing threat from cybercriminals who exploit one of the strongest human emotions: parental concern. The 'Hi Mum' scam has emerged as one of the most psychologically manipulative fraud schemes, specifically designed to prey on parents' natural instinct to help their children in times of need.
Cybercrime Squad detectives have issued urgent warnings following a significant spike in reports across the nation. This sophisticated scam operates through messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and standard SMS services, catching victims off guard with seemingly innocent messages that quickly escalate into financial fraud.
How the Hi Mum Scam Operates
The scam begins with a simple text message arriving from an unknown number. The message claims to be from your son or daughter, stating they have lost their phone and are messaging from a new number. The initial contact typically reads something like: "Hey mum it's me. I got a new number, you can delete the old one. I got a new phone. I'm still transferring everything."
Once the victim responds and engages in conversation, the scammer proceeds to the second phase. They create a sense of urgency by claiming they have an immediate financial problem that requires quick resolution. A typical follow-up message might explain that their banking app has imposed a security hold, preventing them from making urgent payments. The scammer will request money transfers or bill payments, always promising to repay the amount immediately once their banking access is restored.
What makes this scam particularly effective is its simplicity and emotional manipulation. The criminals deliberately avoid making phone calls, often providing excuses about being in meetings, having phone issues, or being in situations where they cannot speak. This allows them to maintain the deception without revealing their voice, which would immediately expose the fraud.
Who Are the Primary Targets?
Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft, Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, has identified that victims are predominantly aged over 55 years. This demographic proves particularly vulnerable because these individuals are often less familiar with the tactics used by modern cybercriminals and are more trusting of communication from supposed family members.
The emotional component plays a crucial role in the scam's success. Many parents fall victim simply because they are caring individuals genuinely concerned about their children's welfare. When faced with what appears to be an urgent request from their son or daughter, these parents naturally want to help without hesitation.
Since May of this year, the Australian Cyber Security Centre has documented a steep increase in both the frequency of these scams and the amounts of money fraudulently obtained. Victims aged 65 and above have been particularly affected, with some losing thousands of dollars to these sophisticated criminals.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Several red flags can help you identify a potential Hi Mum scam before falling victim. The first warning sign is receiving an unexpected message from an unknown number claiming to be a family member. Scammers typically fail to personalise their communication, avoiding specific details that your actual child would naturally include in their messages.
Another critical indicator is the urgency factor. Criminals deliberately create time pressure to prevent victims from thinking clearly or seeking verification. They want you to act quickly before you have the opportunity to question the situation or contact your child through alternative methods.
The inability or unwillingness to speak on the phone represents perhaps the most obvious red flag. Legitimate family members would have no issue verifying their identity through a quick phone call, whereas scammers will provide various excuses to avoid voice communication.
Essential Protection Strategies
Protecting yourself from the Hi Mum scam requires a combination of awareness and practical verification steps. The most effective protection method is simple: always verify unexpected requests through alternative communication channels. If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from your child, immediately call their known phone number or contact them through a different messaging platform.
Establish a family code word or security question that only genuine family members would know. This provides an additional layer of verification when dealing with unexpected requests. Never transfer money or make payments based solely on text message requests, regardless of how urgent they may seem.
Educate your family members, particularly elderly relatives, about this scam. Share information about the tactics used by criminals and encourage them to always verify before taking any financial action. Remember that legitimate emergencies will still be emergencies after a quick verification call.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you suspect you have fallen victim to the Hi Mum scam, immediate action is crucial. Contact your bank or financial institution straight away to report the fraudulent transaction. While recovering sent funds can be challenging, quick action may help prevent further losses or assist law enforcement in tracking the criminals.
Report the incident to your local police as soon as possible. Provide them with all relevant information, including phone numbers, message content, and transaction details. Even if you cannot recover your money, your report helps authorities track these criminal operations and potentially prevent others from becoming victims.
Document everything related to the scam, including screenshots of messages, transaction records, and any other relevant communications. This information proves valuable for both police investigations and any potential insurance claims or bank dispute processes.