The two-word scam tricking parents

Victoria Police are sounding the alarm over a malicious $2m cybercrime that “pulls on the heartstrings”, where parents are being targeted by scammers pretending to be their children.

The victim will receive a WhatsApp or text message from an offender on an unknown number pretending to be their child who is in need of financial help.

The offender will text something along the lines of, “Hi mum, I’ve changed provider/lost/broken my phone – I’m temporarily using this number for now”.

The conversation will continue to develop until the offender requests money for some kind of emergency, like a new phone or urgent bill.

The offender will say they cannot access their own money as they have been locked out of their online bank account after getting the new phone.

The victim is then asked to send a photo of their credit card or transfer money to a bank account, which the offender said they are using because they cannot access their normal account.

Once one transfer has been made the offender will frequently request more money.

Victoria Police have identified at least 25 victims believed to be linked to a series of offending that dates back to January.

But NSW Cybercrime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft revealed last week they have reports of the scam dating back to late last year, and they have been on the rise since May.

“Victims of the ‘Hi mum’ scam date back to at least October last year overseas, but since May, we’ve seen a significant increase in reports not just here in NSW, but jurisdictions across Australia,” he said.

“In just a matter of months, the losses accumulated by Australian victims of this scam easily surpasses $2m when you consider the significant underreporting by victims of cybercrime generally.

“The demographic of victims is predominately aged over 55, and sadly, many parents are falling victim because they’re simply nice people who are concerned for their child’s welfare.”

Victims in NSW and Victoria account for just more than half of all ‘Hi mum’ scam reports.

Detectives also believed the scam started in Europe and most of the offenders are located overseas and are not known to the victims.

Cybercrime Squad Detective Sergeant John Cheyne said the public should be on high alert if they receive a message of this kind.

“A scam like this really pulls on the heartstrings – a child telling you they’ve lost or broken their phone and are in need of financial support is understandably a situation where parents would react without a second thought,” he said.

“If ever you receive a message from an unknown number asking for money, it’s always worth asking for some kind of verification.

“Give the number a call and ask them to prove who they say they are, or call the original number you have saved in your contacts for the person. Alternatively, you could ask them to send a voice note to verify who they are.

“If they can’t prove who they are or aren’t willing to, don’t transfer the money.”

Police have warned anyone who receives messages of this kind from a number they do not recognise to be wary.

Any cybercrime victims should speak to police or use online forums like ReportCyber and the ESafety Commissioner to make a report.

“If you’ve been victim to this scam, call your bank immediately and let them know, before reporting the matter via ReportCyber,” Sergeant Cheyne said.

“Often, matters of this nature are under reported and that can be for a range of reasons, including fear or embarrassment, and sometimes feeling unsure if an offence has occurred.

Police have urged the public to report any spam phone numbers and come forward if they have any information.