"Hi Mum, This Is My New Number" Family Emergency Scams
A message from your "child" on a new number, needing money urgently. How family emergency and new-number scams work, how to check without offending anyone, and the code word habit.
"Hi Mum, this is my new number, my phone broke. Can you save it?" A little later: "I need to pay a bill today but my banking app won't work on the new phone. Could you send it for me? I'll pay you back tomorrow." It is written just the way your child writes. It is one of the most widespread scams in the world, and it works because parents want to help.
How the scam works
- The new number: a message from an unknown number claiming to be your child, grandchild, sibling or parent, with a reason for the new number.
- The chat: friendly messages to build trust, often avoiding calls: "Can't talk, my mic is broken."
- The request: an urgent bill, a rent payment, a new phone, a stranded journey or a medical emergency.
- The account: the money must go to someone else's account "because mine is locked" or "it's my friend's landlord".
- The follow-up: if you pay, a second request follows.
A new number plus a money request is the pattern. Always verify before paying, however convincing the messages are.
Illustrative example
- "Delete the old one" stops you calling the real number.
- An urgent payment to an account in someone else's name.
- A reason why they cannot pay themselves.
How to check without offending anyone
- Call the old number. The phone may work, or someone near your child may answer.
- Ask for a voice or video call on the new number. Note that voices can be cloned, so combine this with another check. See AI voice cloning scams.
- Ask a question only they would know, not something on social media.
- Use your family code word. See set up a family code word.
- Contact someone who is with them, such as a partner, flatmate or friend.
A real family member will not be offended. Tell your family now that you will always check, so they expect it.
If you have sent money
- Call your bank immediately and ask them to recall the payment.
- Save the messages and the number, then report and block it.
- Report the scam; see how to report a scam.
- Warn other family members, who may be targeted next.
Protect your family
- Agree a code word and a rule: "We always check new numbers before sending money."
- Talk to older relatives about this scam specifically.
- Keep family details off public social media where practical.
Got a "new number" message? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check, and call your family member on their old number.
Family emergency scams are among the most common types of online scams. For WhatsApp-specific advice, see our WhatsApp scams guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do scammers know I have children?
Often they do not. They send the same message to thousands of numbers and wait for parents to reply. Sometimes they use details from social media to make it more convincing.
What is the quickest way to check?
Call your child on their old number, or ask a question only they could answer, or ask for your family code word. A real child will understand.
The voice note sounded like my child. Can it be faked?
Yes. Voices can be cloned from short recordings. Always check by calling back on a number you know.
Sources
- Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money, US Federal Trade Commission
- About suspicious messages and scams, WhatsApp Help Center
- How to block and report someone, WhatsApp Help Center
