When a Scammer Pretends to Be Your Kid: Would You Spot the Difference?
“Hey Mum, I’ve lost my phone. This is my new number.”
It’s the kind of message that feels small at first. Casual. Believable. Easy to reply to without thinking twice.
And that’s exactly why it works.
This scam, often called the “Hi Mum” or family impersonation scam, is built on something simple but powerful: urgency plus emotion. It doesn’t rely on hacking your accounts. It relies on you wanting to help someone you love.
How the scam plays out:
It usually starts with a text from an unknown number:
- “Hey Dad, my phone broke. This is my new number.”
If you respond, the story builds quickly:
- They’re locked out of banking
- They’re stuck paying for something urgent
- They need help “just this once”
This is where it becomes even more convincing.
These scams work particularly well when your child is overseas, travelling, or on holiday.
Different time zones, patchy reception, and unfamiliar situations make the story feel plausible. You’re already expecting things to go wrong, so you’re less likely to question it.
Then comes the ask: A bank transfer. A PayID. Sometimes multiple payments.
A “typical” scam conversation
Unknown number (Scammer): Hey Mum, I lost my phone. This is my new number, can you save it?
You: Oh no! Are you okay?
Scammer: Yeah all good, just stressful. I can’t access my banking on this phone. I need to pay a bill today or I get charged extra. Can you help me out and I’ll pay you back tonight?
You: Of course, how much?
Scammer: $1,850. I’ll send the details
It’s not just texts anymore
This scam has evolved. Some scammers are now using AI voice cloning and deepfake video to make the impersonation feel real.
- A phone call that sounds like your child’s voice
- A short video call where their face appears on screen
- Blurry or low quality
- Rushed or chaotic
- Full of excuses like “bad reception” or “my camera’s broken”
Just enough realism to convince you. Just enough distortion to hide the fact it’s fake.
Why people fall for it
Because it doesn’t feel like a scam. It feels like:
- Your child in a stressful situation
- A quick favour
- Something you can fix immediately
And scammers are counting on you acting before you think.
The new rule: never trust a voice or video alone
With AI in the mix, hearing or even seeing someone who appears to be your child is no longer enough on its own.
That’s why one of the simplest and most effective protections is something you agree on before anything happens – have a family “code word”. If money is ever involved and you’re not face-to-face, use a pre-agreed code word or phrase.
- A random phrase
- An inside joke only your family would know
- A word that would never come up naturally
- Not birthdays
- Not pet names
- Not anything on social media
If they can’t give it, stop. No code word? Pause before sending any money.
The small details that give it away
Even the best impersonations slip up
- New number with no prior contact
- Refusal to answer a direct phone call properly
- Payment details that don’t match your child’s name
- Urgency that feels slightly off
If something feels wrong, it usually is.
Before sending anything:
- Call your child on their original number
- Try another platform you’ve used before
- Ask a question only they would know
- Use your code word
Even a 60-second check can stop the scam.
Act immediately:
- If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately
- Report the incident via cyber.gov.au.
- You can also report the scam to Scamwatch to help authorities track emerging scams.
- For support if you have been scammed contact IDCARE at 1800 595 160 or visit www.idcare.org
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Been scammed?
Step 1
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.
It’s also important to change your passwords, monitor your accounts closely, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file.
Step 2
Report the scam to police at cyber.gov.au or at your nearest police station.
Additionally, report the scam to Scamwatch and your local authorities to help prevent others from falling victim.
If you think you have been scammed online, IDCARE can help for free! Call 1800 595 160 or visit their website www.idcare.org
Step 3
Getting scammed online does not mean you are not smart. Cybercrime keeps changing, so anyone can be a target. Do not be embarrassed or hard on yourself! Learn about new scams and take steps to stay safe instead.
If you need support after falling victim to a scam talk to friends and family or contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Step 4
If you have given any financial details or have already lost money, contact your bank immediately.aFinally, talk about different types of emerging scams and if you have been scammed share your experience with family and friends so they can better recognise the signs of scams.
Smart Scam Guide
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