Every UK WhatsApp user placed on red alert and told to follow five new rules

All WhatsApp users - and those who send texts via other platforms - are, once again, being urged to watch out for worrying scams. It seems that cyber crooks are continuing to use the infamous "Hi mum" attack in a bid to steal money from unsuspecting users. If you've never heard of this scam before, it's easy to see why some are being caught out. The threat usually starts with a text that simply says, "Hi, mum" or "Hi dad".

Once the victim responds, the online thieves then attempt to trick them into handing over money by pretending to be a family member who's in trouble.

It may sound far-fetched, but millions of pounds have been handed to hackers using this tactic, which is designed to feel trustworthy.

The follow-up texts that are sent pile on the pressure, often saying the situation is urgent to get people to act before they can think twice.

Action Fraud recently reported that over £220,000 was lost in the UK alone between 2023 and 2025 to ‘Hi Mum’ attacks.

"Scammers aren’t hacking devices, they’re hacking emotions," Luis Corrons, Security Evangelist at Norton explained.

"These 'Hi Mum' messages weaponise trust, urgency and love. And that makes them more dangerous than any malware. This scam works not because parents are careless, but because they care.

"When you get a message from your child saying they’re in trouble, your first instinct is to help. Scammers know that and exploit it."

Now, experts at security firm Norton have provided four vital tips on how you can protect yourself from these attacks.

If you are worried about the 'Hi mum' attack, here are some ways to avoid becoming the next victim.

• Contact them in person: Reach out to your child using the number you already know. This can quickly reveal whether something is off.

• Be careful with generic language: If a message starts with "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad" and sounds impersonal or unlike your child’s usual tone, be cautious.

• Question financial emergencies: Emotional pressure is common in these scams. Stay calm and verify the situation before making any decisions.

• Consider a safe word: Agree on a word with your family that can be used to confirm identity in urgent situations.

• Stay up to date: Learn about emerging scams and make sure your phone is protected with trusted security software.