WhatsApp users are being strongly urged to delete a "dangerous" two-word message that has been linked to a widespread scam.
Sadly, with technology advancing, so are the number of way in which scammers can attempt to con us out of our hard-earned money.
Now, security experts are sounding the alarm over the return of the notorious “Hi Mum” scam - a deceptive message that’s conning people out of their money, The Mirror reported.
The message, which usually begins with the simple “Hi Mum” or “Hi Dad,” is designed to make victims believe a loved one is in trouble and needs urgent financial help.
Millions have already been lost to this emotionally manipulative trick. But now, scammers are stepping up their game using AI-generated voice messages that sound eerily like family members, making the deception even more convincing.
“We’re hearing of instances where AI voice impersonation technology is being used to create WhatsApp and SMS voice notes, making the scam seem ever more realistic,” warned Chris Ainsley, Santander’s head of fraud risk management.
“If you’re ever asked for money out of the blue on any social or communication platform, verify the request by picking up the phone," he added.
Luis Corrons, Security Evangelist at Norton, added: “Scammers aren’t hacking devices, they’re hacking emotions. These ‘Hi Mum’ messages weaponise trust, urgency, and love. And that makes them more dangerous than any malware. This scam works not because parents are careless, but because they care.”
To stay safe, experts advise:
- Call directly - Always contact the person using a number you already know.
- Watch the tone: Be cautious if the message sounds generic or impersonal.
- Question sudden financial crises: Stay calm and verify before taking any action.
The "Hi Mum" scam isn’t the only digital danger right now.
As previously reported, the FBI and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have also issued alerts about a rapidly spreading text scam involving fake road toll fees.
Scammers are impersonating tolling agencies and texting people with claims that they owe money. The messages often include a dollar amount and a link to a fraudulent website asking for personal banking details.
"The scammy text might show a dollar amount for how much you supposedly owe and include a link that takes you to a page to enter your bank or credit card info - but it’s a phishing scam," the FTC warned.
Even more absurd, these messages have been sent to people in states without toll roads, or to individuals who don’t even drive.
One baffled user posted on X: “Scammers, we don’t have tolls in CT. Maybe try to scam someone in a state where they do have tolls.” Another wrote: “Girl, I do not drive. You think I’m dumb?”
More than just an attempt to take your money, clicking on these links could expose personal details like your driver's license number, putting you at risk of identity theft.
To stay safe, the FTC advises: Never click on links in unexpected or suspicious messages, contact official tolling agencies using verified websites or phone numbers, and report suspicious texts via your phone’s "report junk" feature or by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
Once reported, delete the message and remember, no toll fees means no trouble.