Scamwatch is urging Australians to be wary of phone messages from a family member or friend claiming they need help, following a significant rise in ‘Hi Mum’ scams in recent months.
The scammer will claim they have lost or damaged their phone and are making contact from a new number. This is often followed up with requests for money to help urgently pay a bill, contractor or replace the phone. Scamwatch suggests that if you receive such a text, first try ringing the person’s number: if they pick up – you know it’s a scam.