Consumer champion Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to British parents about a sophisticated new text scam that's already cost families thousands of pounds. The Money Saving Expert founder sounded the alarm about the dangerous 'Hi Mum' fraud during his appearance on ITV's Good Morning Britain.
How The Devious Scam Works
The fraud begins with a simple text message reading 'Hi Mum' or 'Hi Dad,' pretending to be from a child who's lost or damaged their phone. The criminal then claims they're using a friend's device and need urgent financial help.
Martin Lewis explained the psychological manipulation at play: 'They're preying on the natural instinct of parents to protect their children. When you think your child is in trouble, rationality often goes out the window.'
Alarming Success Rate
This isn't just a theoretical threat - the scam has already proven devastatingly effective. According to reports, one victim lost an astonishing £10,000 after being convinced their daughter needed money for urgent bills.
'These criminals are sophisticated,' Lewis warned. 'They create a sense of urgency and panic that overrides normal caution. Before you know it, people are transferring significant sums to fraudsters.'
Protect Yourself From This Scam
- Always verify separately: Call your child on their usual number before sending any money
- Ask personal questions: Request information only your real child would know
- Don't rush: Scammers create false urgency - take time to think
- Contact the real person: Use social media or other methods to confirm their situation
Broader Text Scam Epidemic
The 'Hi Mum' scam is part of a wider explosion in text-based fraud that has seen victims lose millions. Martin Lewis emphasised that even the most financially savvy individuals can be caught off guard by these emotionally manipulative tactics.
'We're seeing an evolution in scamming techniques,' he noted. 'They're moving from obvious phishing emails to more personal, emotionally charged approaches that bypass our usual defences.'
The financial expert urged viewers to spread awareness among friends and family, particularly those who might be less technologically savvy or more vulnerable to such approaches.
