A simple "Hi Mom" is enough to trigger one of the most formidable scams of the moment. This innocuous message, often sent on WhatsApp, hides a well-established fraud. Relatives and friends are being swindled out of money while believing they are helping a loved one in distress.
Text scams have increased in recent years, but some are more sneaky than others. By playing on urgency and emotions, some scammers manage to trap even the most suspicious people. Recently, a fake WhatsApp message supposedly sent by Booking.com promised a €300 reward per task. In another case, a fake official account for the same app hijacked security codes to take full control of a user's account.
A new “Hi mum” scam – or “Hi Mom” – exploited by scammers has been revealed by The Guardian. It often begins with a message received on WhatsApp, sent from an unknown number. The fake caller claims to have lost their phone and cannot access their bank accounts. Very quickly, they request an urgent transfer, sometimes in the name of a friend, a landlord, or a service. The tone is urgent, and the victim thinks they are helping their child or a loved one.
This fake WhatsApp message traps parents and causes them to lose thousands of euros
According to Santander bank, fraudsters who pretend to be a son are the most effective, followed by those pretending to be a daughter or a mother. In some cases, they even use voice messages generated by artificial intelligence to imitate the voice of a loved one. Requests for money are often specific, but the bank accounts provided are never those of the alleged relative. These are intermediaries or accounts controlled by the fraudsters themselves.
To avoid these traps, it is recommended to always verify the identity of the contact via their usual number. If in doubt, asking a personal question can help unmask the scam. Some families set up a private password to confirm urgent messages. If a transfer has been made, you should contact your bank immediately.
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