Mother's Day 2025 is fast approaching. Unsurprisingly, cybercriminals will jump at the chance to make money. According to experts at Norton, "scammers, on the lookout for any good opportunity to trap Internet users, are also eagerly awaiting this event." Without the slightest qualm, hackers will target mothers with so-called "Hello Mom" scams.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, cybercriminals will contact their target via instant messaging, such as WhatsApp, or SMS. They will pretend to be a member of the victim's family, such as one of their sons or daughters. This tactic is "particularly effective since victims expect to receive a message from their loved ones on this specific day, and are therefore less likely to detect the deception." Most mothers expect to receive a greeting message on this day.
"Emotional Pressure" and Emergency Transfers
To lull their target's suspicion, hackers will pretend to have a "phone problem to justify the new number that appears.". They will spin a story indicating that the son or daughter has lost their smartphone, accidentally broken it, or had it stolen. This is when they demand money from the mother. To justify the approach, the caller claims to have lost access to their online bank account, their wallet, or some kind of "precarious short-term financial situation."
The scam is very similar to "Mom, my phone is broken" scams, which have multiplied in recent months. The hacker does not hesitate to pull on the heartstrings to persuade the targeted mother to make transfers without asking her child any questions. The "emotional pressure often builds up in the messages due to a financial emergency," Norton emphasizes in the press release sent to 01net. The attacker may also request PCS (Prepaid Cash Service), Transcash, or Paysafecard card transfers. These payment methods should automatically alert you.
How to avoid scams during Mother's Day?
According to Norton experts, several elements can help detect a scam, starting with a "generic vocabulary" and a different "writing style". If your child usually calls you by an affectionate nickname, and this time opts for a simple "mom," there could be something fishy going on.
Even if hackers use generative AI to write convincing messages, they won't be able to mimic your loved ones' vocabulary or their way of communicating. Note that scammers can, however, use a wealth of data about you to reassure you. The numerous data breaches that have occurred in France in recent years have given cybercriminals a lot of ammunition to orchestrate scams. A hacker can use your name or address to trap you.
To avoid being trapped, it is imperative to contact your son or daughter via their phone number. If they answer, you can disprove what your mysterious interlocutor is saying. Before an attack, don't hesitate to decide on a security code between you and your loved ones. This code will allow you to verify the authenticity of your loved one's identity.
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