"Hi Mum, I've got a new number": is it a scam?
A message arrives from an unknown number, often on WhatsApp: "Hi Mum" or "Hi Dad, I have broken my phone, this is my new number." Soon they ask for money for an urgent bill.
Check your message free ↓What it can look like
Hi Mum, I dropped my phone, this is my new number. Can you save it? I need to pay a bill today but my banking app isn't working on this phone. Can you help? I'll pay you back tomorrow.
A made-up example. Real messages vary.
The warning signs
- A new number you do not recognise.
- A reason why they cannot call or talk, such as a broken microphone.
- An urgent request for money, often to someone else's account.
- Messages that do not quite sound like your child.
What to do
- Call your child on the number you already have, or ask someone else who can reach them.
- Ask a question only they would know the answer to.
- Do not send money until you have spoken to them.
- If you have paid, call your bank straight away.
Already paid or shared your details?
- Call your bank straight away, using the number on your card.
- Change any passwords you shared, starting with your email.
- Report it (see below).
- Tell someone you trust. Scams catch careful people too.
United Kingdom
Report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. Forward scam texts to 7726 and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Call 159 to reach most UK banks.
United States
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Canada
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre on 1-888-495-8501. Forward scam texts to 7726.
Australia
Report it at scamwatch.gov.au. If you lost money, report it to the police at cyber.gov.au and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free help.
Anywhere else
Report it to your local police or your national fraud reporting service.
Other common scams
- Parcel delivery texts
- Your bank's "fraud team" calls
- Tax refunds, fines and road tolls
- Celebrity investment adverts
- A loved one's voice on the phone
- Fake shops and too-good deals
- Computer help calls and pop-ups
- Requests for a security code
- Online friends who talk about money
- Calls from the "police" asking for money
- Power or water cut-off messages
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Reporting details were checked on 26 September 2026. Another AI Lie is not linked to the organisations named. Example messages are made up.