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The Scamwatch advisory service warns people to be wary of phone messages from friends and family claiming they need help, following an increase in recent months—Hi Mum scams.
The Hi Mum Scam is a new twist on an old favourite!
This variation of the family impersonation scam uses chat apps to connect with victims and pretend they’re one of your loved ones.
The scammers are frequently alleging to have lost or damaged their phone and are messaging from a new number. The scammer will inquire for personal information, such as photographs or money, to help pay an invoice or contractor or replace the phone once they’ve developed a rapport with their target.
More than 1,150 people were affected by these cons in the first seven months of this year, with documented losses totalling $2.6 million, with the majority of the cases reported in June and July 2022.
If you receive a suspicious message from an unknown number, the ACCC advises that you verify the contact independently.
Scamwatch advised the public that if they were contacted by a new number claiming to be their son, daughter, family member or friend, to contact that individual on the number previously stored on their phone to confirm it is no longer in use.
“If they pick up – you know it’s a scam,” Scamwatch said. “Scammers will stop at nothing to get your personal details or money, and this particular scam is designed to pull your heartstrings. It’s essential to stop and think if you get a message, especially on WhatsApp, because chances are it’s not your family member or friend; it’s a scammer.
“Above all, never send money without being sure who you send it to.”
Although more women over 55 have reported family impersonation scams, authorities believe many men have also been victims.
Fear of being perceived as ‘weak, stupid, or unmanly’ prevents many men from reporting a crime. Men are more prone to be defrauded and lose twice as much money on average when they do so, according to research from the UK.
The ACCC’s most recent Targeting Scams report provides additional information about these frauds.
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