Aussies have lost millions to simple ‘Hi Mum’ text message scam in 2022

A shocking text message scam has duped millions of dollars out of Australians this year, with scammers conning parents into believing their children are desperate.

A shocking text message scam has duped millions of dollars out of Australians this year, with scammers conning unsuspecting people into believing their children are desperate for money.

One person lost almost $20,000 to scammers and similar reports have been made nationwide.

The scammers usually message a parent via text or WhatsApp, starting the conversation with: “Hi, Mum.”

New figures released this week revealed the “Hi Mum” scam has cost Aussies over $2.6 million in 2022 alone.

In the simple but effective grift, scammers claim their phone has been lost or damaged, or they have changed service providers, and that is why they are sending messages from a different phone number.

Once they have convinced the parent that they are their child, then thy claim they are in urgent need of money.

Reasons include they need their parent’s credit card details or a bank transfer to pay for phone repairs or buy a new one, they need to pay a bill or rent because they cannot access their bank account, or they are in trouble overseas.

Consumer Protection acting executive director Penny Lipscombe said the scam pulled at parents’ heart strings.

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“The scammers are capitalising on a parent’s strong desire to help out their children who are in financial trouble and the urgency robs them of time to question the situation they have been put in,” Ms Lipscombe said.

“Losses are mounting in WA so we really need WA parents to be aware of this scam and to stop and think before transferring any money or giving out their credit card details.”

Authorities recommend parents receiving such texts verify the sender by asking questions that only their child could answer.

“Alternatively, call the original number saved in your contacts, not the new number, to verify that the phone isn’t working,” Ms Lipscombe said.

“This action will reveal if it’s a scam before any money is sent and scammers profit from their deception.

“Victims who have sent money or given credit card details should contact their bank or credit card provider immediately to try to stop the transfer or ensure there are no unauthorised withdrawals from their credit card.”

Screenshots of victim of the ‘Hi mum’ scam. Picture: Supplied

ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said the scam was specifically targeting older Australians, with the overwhelming majority of reports coming from women aged over 55.

“Unfortunately, these unscrupulous scammers are targeting women and older Australians, with 82 per cent of family impersonation scams reported by people over the age of 55, accounting for 95 per cent of all reported losses,” Ms Rickard said.

“If you have reason to believe you have been scammed, contact your bank as soon as possible as they may be able to find where the money went, block scam accounts and help others to avoid sending money to scammers.”