![]() ![]() So far, there have been two examples of the scam moving over to text messages, from WhatsApp. The message usually starts with 'Hi mum, I've broken my phone' (Image: Which?) There have also been cases where fraudsters managed to access chat history and continued ongoing conversations to appear more convincing. Which? first became aware of this scam at the end of 2021 when a victim told them that a fraudster impersonating his sister had a convincing conversation with her which led to her transferring money for 'car repairs'. READ MORE: House mould and damp spores removed 'within minutes' ![]() As a result they issued advice on what the scams look like as well as how to avoid and report them. Which? reported that earlier this year that Action Fraud warned it had received 1,235 reports of criminals posing as loved ones in need on WhatsApp between February 3 and June 21 this year, amounting to a total financial loss of £1.5million. Scammers are impersonating family members, particularly adult children, in order to ask for money to 'help them out.' The heartless scam comes at a time when thousands are struggling to pay their bills as the cost of living crisis continues. The cyber con originally started doing the rounds on messaging app, WhatsApp, but has now spread to text message. A warning has been issued as the number of the notorious 'hi mum' scams has skyrocketed and Consumer experts Which? are urging people to be vigilant as the scammers are continuing to prey on parents. ![]()
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