Why “Hi Mum” Might Be the Most Dangerous Message You’ll Get Today

If you’ve ever had a message that made your heart skip – something like “Hi Mum” or “Hi Dad” from an unknown number – you’re not alone. This scam has been around for a while, but it’s back, and it’s getting nastier.

The idea is simple. A message comes in from someone claiming to be your child. They say they’ve lost their phone. They’re in trouble. They need money, fast. And in that moment, your instincts kick in. You don’t stop to think – you just want to help.

And that’s exactly what the criminals are counting on.

What’s made this version even more worrying is that scammers are now using AI to fake voices. In some cases, victims have received voice notes that sound just like their son or daughter. It’s chilling – and effective. Santander and other fraud experts are warning that criminals are no longer just tricking your inbox, they’re imitating the people you trust most.

Let’s be clear: this scam doesn’t work because people are foolish. It works because people care. And that’s what makes it so dangerous.

So why are we talking about this here, in a blog from the South West Cyber Resilience Centre?

Because this isn’t just a personal scam. It’s a human-level threat that affects how people behave at work too. If someone in your team is stressed, distracted, or worried about their family, they’re more likely to click something they shouldn’t or approve something in a hurry. And if your business relies on social media, WhatsApp groups, or personal phones for communication – you’re closer to this than you might think.

What can you do?

Start by talking about it. Raise it with your team, your customers, and your family. If your business supports parents or older customers, use your platforms to pass the message on. And most importantly, remind people that it’s okay to stop and check. Even if a message feels urgent. Even if it sounds like someone you know.

These scams work because they create panic. But panic doesn’t have to win.

At the SWCRC, we’re not just here to talk about firewalls and passwords. We’re here to talk about people – how we think, how we work, and how we can be tricked. And this is a perfect example of how criminals don’t need to hack devices – they just need to hack emotions.

A little awareness goes a long way. The next time a “Hi Mum” message lands, you’ll be ready.