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Original poster

Is this a scam text? Worried sick

113 replies

Ellenaa · 15/10/2022 20:10

Posting for my mum!

sister is on night out, doesn’t keep in touch every night in her 30s. Mum received this text “hi mum smashed my phone, using a friends but it’s running out of battery. Can you text me on my new number?” (Then had a new number)

I told my mum it’s a scam because

  1. she never usually gets in touch why the need to get in touch tonight?
  2. she’s not replied to mymesssges but they’re being delivered
  3. how would she have got a new phone so quick?
  4. why not text off the new number?

going to show replies to mum who’s now worried sick and probably won’t sleep

OP posts:
greenacrylicpaint · 15/10/2022 21:11

as pp say
it's a very common scam.

I received one on holiday in forrin in the local language Hmm

RunAwayTurnAwayRunAwayTurnAway · 15/10/2022 21:13

Adultchildofelderlyparents · 15/10/2022 20:32

Have you called your sister? Hopefully she can call and speak to your mum to put her mind at ease.

This would be the sensible thing for an anxious parent to do in response to a message like this -ring the child.

Bonjovispjs · 15/10/2022 21:14

Yep, very common scam, I've had it too, I also don't have any kids.

catandcoffee · 15/10/2022 21:16

I got one yesterday and replied "which child are you " still waiting for the reply 😁

ElinoristhenewEnid · 15/10/2022 21:19

I asked if it was Tom or Jane that was contacting me - was told Jane. I texted back saying you are a scammer because I do not have any children by those names! Radio silence followed

JudgeJ · 15/10/2022 21:19

Ellenaa · 15/10/2022 20:10

Posting for my mum!

sister is on night out, doesn’t keep in touch every night in her 30s. Mum received this text “hi mum smashed my phone, using a friends but it’s running out of battery. Can you text me on my new number?” (Then had a new number)

I told my mum it’s a scam because

  1. she never usually gets in touch why the need to get in touch tonight?
  2. she’s not replied to mymesssges but they’re being delivered
  3. how would she have got a new phone so quick?
  4. why not text off the new number?

going to show replies to mum who’s now worried sick and probably won’t sleep

We all have an agreed word that would be included in any genuine messages like this, worth trying to save doubt.

houseonthehill · 15/10/2022 21:21

I got exactly the same message yesterday. I'm not a Mum.

Luana1 · 15/10/2022 21:22

I've had this message too. My eldest is 5 years old.

AssignedSlytherinAtBirth · 15/10/2022 21:24

Another one who's had it recently. I also thought they wouldn't have got a new number that quickly.

Maverickess · 15/10/2022 21:26

I've had it recently too - while sat next to my only child on the sofa.
I'm not quite sure how it works but it'll definitely be something to part you with your money!

YankeeCat · 15/10/2022 21:27

Whatsapp is pretty popular for scammers you see it all the time in the YouTube comments. I agree with if there's any doubt you should ask some random questions and things only she would know that is not on social media. If she is who she says she is, she would understand the initial suspicion and scrutiny.

It seems like a clear scam to me though l.

saraclara · 15/10/2022 21:27

I've had at least half a dozen of those. I play with them now. I ask them their name for a start, which they always respond to with something like "don't be daft mum! You know my name,!" Or"it's your favourite child of course!". I am a coupe more questions and then drop some F bombs and tell them to fuck off. It's funny how their affectionate jokey tone disappears in a split second and is replaced by a torrent of C words..

Mad1988 · 15/10/2022 21:28

All the " Hi mum" messages telling about a phone/number issue are scam. Period

ChristmasJumpers · 15/10/2022 21:29

I got one almost identical "hi mum..."
I don't have any children. DH got one a few weeks ago too also starting with hi mum

AlwaysLatte · 15/10/2022 21:31

It's a scam. A request to video call back will sort it.

Therira · 15/10/2022 21:34

Happened to my mum last week. Deffo a scam.

PipinwasAuntieMabelsdog · 15/10/2022 21:38

Sorry to join on a different note @Ellenaa but I've had 2 'you have had contact with someone positive for covid' I assume a scam, as no T&T anymore, but wanted to check before going out

jellybe · 15/10/2022 21:38

DD got that text a few days ago she is 13. Definitely a scam just block the number and get your mum to text / ring sister.

kateandme · 15/10/2022 21:40

Please don’t text back people! That like clicking a f link in a text or email. Then they cant start getting the info and hacking they need straight away.it’s not just asking for money how they get your details and money

kateandme · 15/10/2022 21:43

AlwaysLatte · 15/10/2022 21:31

It's a scam. A request to video call back will sort it.

Nope not always it can be much deeper and more sinister than that.they use actual girls to be on the other end of the phone.obviously not for talking to a relative scams but for others if you request a video to see if the person is real the scammers are using woman to do this.sometimes trafficked.

kateandme · 15/10/2022 21:45

Op reassure your mum and maybe have a conversation now about scammers.ideal as it’s relevant and not seen as lecturing. Including ones that are on the phone or coming to her door.

Lindy2 · 15/10/2022 21:46

It's a very widely publicised scam. I can't believe that anyone is actually still falling for this.

Doris86 · 15/10/2022 21:47

110% scam with bells on.

JudgeJ · 15/10/2022 21:51

IloveJudgeJudy · 15/10/2022 20:30

Definitely a scam. DH got one 2 days ago and checked with DC. All fine and in possession of their phones

I find your user name very pleasing!

Janeycraney · 15/10/2022 21:54

I had this yesterday. Wondered how my 1 year old had managed to learn to read and, write , purchase a phone, and escape her cot to go on a night out. Impressive