The Startling Mum and Dad Scam: Parental Emotions Targeted

Did you know that scammers exploited UK parents out of thousands of pounds last year through “Hi Mum, hi Dad” scams? These fraudsters target parental emotions with fake messages and urgent pleas for help, exploiting the trust and love parents have for their children. In 2023, criminals impersonating family members in the mum and dad scam accounted for over £7 million in losses across the UK.

This blog reveals how this scam works, shares real-life reports, and provides actionable tips to spot and protect against it. Discover how Phonely’s advanced CallGuard technology can offer unparalleled protection against these ruthless tactics.

What is the mum and dad scam?

The Mum and Dad scam is a manipulative fraud tactic where scammers impersonate a victim’s child through text messages, WhatsApp or phone call. They send urgent messages such as “Hi Mum, my phone is broken. Use this number to contact me,” or “Dad, I’m in trouble and need help.” AI is also used to fake voices during fraudulent phone calls of the same nature. These scams often escalate to requests for money, leaving distraught parents vulnerable to financial loss.

Fraudsters commonly use:

• Spoofed or unregistered numbers to avoid detection.
• Deepfake voices to mimic relatives’ voices.
• Emotional triggers like claims of an accident or stolen phone to prompt immediate action.
• Pressure tactics that demand quick payments via bank transfers or PayPal.

By understanding these tactics, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams.

Real-life examples reported to Phonely

Scammers rely on emotional manipulation and a wide range of phone numbers to target unsuspecting victims. Here are some chilling reports shared via Phonely’s Who Called Me platform:

1. 07935174852 (1 report): “Unknown number calling me Mum. I don’t have kids.”
2. 07565109753 (1 report): “Scam text: ‘Add my new number mum.’”
3. 07729818443 (2 reports): “’New number Mum’ text message SCAM.”
4. 07594502723 (2 reports): “This number is a scammer. Texts saying ‘Hi Mum, I lost my phone’ in an attempt to get you to engage and then cheat you. Block this number.”
5. 07523789417 (3 reports): “Received a message starting ‘Hi Mum’ saying there was a problem with her phone, and she was sending a message from a friend’s phone. Undoubtedly a scam.”
6. 07594852607 (1 report): “They scammed my Dad today out of £1,300 by claiming to be me. ‘They said I’m in trouble Dad’ and had a text chat with him on WhatsApp. A 79-year-old man.”
7. 07716542318 (1 report): “’Dad, my mobile got soaked’ scam.”
8. 07851038686 (2 reports): “Spam number sending messages stating ‘Dad, my phone has been disabled,’ then asking for money.”

These examples show the volume of digital numbers that criminals have access to and the ability to change them quickly. Additionally, this information highlights the emotional manipulation scammers use and the substantial financial losses they cause.

Why are traditional call blockers ineffective?

Fraudsters constantly change their numbers, accessing a seemingly endless supply of new ones. Traditional call blockers often update their databases monthly, via 3rd parties, leaving gaps in protection. By the time a number is blocked, scammers have already moved on to a new one.

Phonely’s auto call blocker offers a real-time solution. This technology works by immediately cross-referencing reported scam numbers from the Who Called Me platform and blocking them within an hour. For example, if a scam number is flagged at 2:00 PM, it cannot reach Phonely users by 3:00 PM, providing rapid and reliable protection. This proactive approach ensures superior protection, keeping you safe from emerging threats.

How to spot a mum and dad scam

To begin with, recognising the warning signs is crucial for protecting your family from potential financial and emotional harm. Here’s a checklist to help:

• Unfamiliar numbers: Be wary of texts or messages from numbers you don’t recognise. Take a moment to pause and think.
• Urgent language: Scammers often use phrases like “I’m in trouble” or “I need help now” to pressure you. Again, on receipt of a message or call, take time to consider it.
• Requests for money: Genuine family members typically won’t ask for money via text without prior conversation. Question if this contact is within your loved one’s nature.
• Lack of specifics: Messages like “Hi Mum” or “Hi Dad” without using your name could indicate a scam.
• Unverified claims: Check with the supposed sender through a trusted number before acting, don’t act on impulse.

What to do if you receive a scam message

1. Do not respond: Avoid replying or engaging with the sender.
2. Verify independently: Contact your child or family member through their usual number or another trusted method.
3. Report the number: Use Phonely’s Who Called Me? to check the number, report the scam and protect others.
4. Share awareness: Inform family and friends about these tactics to help them stay vigilant.

What to do if you have been scammed

If you’ve fallen victim to a mum and dad scam, acting quickly is essential to minimise financial loss and prevent further harm. Here’s what you should do:

1. Contact your bank immediately: Inform them about the scam and request a freeze or reversal of any payments made.
2. Report the scam to Action Fraud: File a report with Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. You can do this online at Action Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.
3. Inform the police: While Action Fraud handles reports, notifying your local police station can also be helpful.
4. Warn others: Share your experience with family and friends to prevent them from being targeted.

FAQs about the mum and dad scam