At Citrus Financial, we pride ourselves on looking after our clients’ financial wellbeing. That includes keeping you informed about potential scams.
We recently learned that someone known to us was targeted by a scam that’s becoming alarmingly common. It’s called the “Hi Mum” scam, and it’s taking advantage of caring parents and grandparents.
How does the scam work?
A message appears on WhatsApp, often from an unknown number, saying something like:
“Hi Mum, I’ve lost my phone. This is my new number.”
Once the scammer has convinced you it’s your child, they might go on to ask for money, perhaps claiming they’re in trouble or urgently need to pay a bill.
It can be surprisingly convincing. These scammers are good at what they do, and they rely on your instinct to help a loved one without hesitation.
What should you do?
If you get a message like this:
- Don’t respond straight away.
- Try to call your loved one directly on their usual number.
- Be cautious of any messages that ask for money or personal information.
It’s heartbreaking to see people fall victim to this scam, especially when they were only trying to help.
We encourage you to read this recent article from The Guardian, which includes more real-life examples and advice on what to watch for. You can access it here.
Stay safe
At Citrus Financial, we want you to feel better off — financially and emotionally — from having met us. That includes helping you stay safe from fraud.
If you’re ever unsure about a message or need support dealing with a financial issue, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
