WhatsApp 'Hi Mum / Hi Dad' Family Impersonation Scam Examples
Scammers message parents or relatives pretending to be a child with a new number, build a brief conversation, then request urgent money for an emergency — exploiting parental concern.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Hi Mum, it's me. I've had to get a new phone and a new number — my old one is gone. Can you save this one? xx
Hi Dad, I'm in a bit of trouble. I dropped my phone in water and had to borrow someone's. I have an urgent bill to pay today but can't access my banking yet — could you help me out with [amount]? I'll pay you back this weekend.
Mum it's [Name]. Please don't try my old number. I'm using WhatsApp on a friend's phone. I need [amount] for a deposit on a new flat — I have to pay by today or I'll lose it. Sorry to ask like this.
Hi, it's [Name] — new number. I've got an emergency doctor's bill that has to be paid before they'll see me. Could you send [amount] to [account details]? Will explain everything when I get home.
What the scammer wants
To exploit a parent's or relative's instinct to help family in distress, extracting money through bank transfer or other payment before the victim can verify the identity of the sender.
Red flags in the message
- Message comes from an unknown number claiming to be a family member
- Explains phone is lost, broken, or new — so you cannot call to verify
- Request for money quickly follows the initial 'new number' message
- Payment requested via bank transfer, not through familiar family channels
- Story involves urgency: a bill, deposit, or medical situation today
A safe response
Call your family member on their known number, or contact them via another family member. Do not send any money until you have spoken to them directly and confirmed the request is genuine.
What not to send
- Bank transfers to an unverified account
- Gift card codes
- Any payment before verifying identity by voice call
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank immediately to attempt to recall the transfer
- Report the number and the message to Action Fraud or your national fraud service
- Tell other family members so they are not targeted by the same number
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times