Is the WhatsApp Hi Mom Scam real or a scam?

This is a confirmed scam. Do not click any links, do not provide personal information, and do not send money. This is a impersonation scam.

What should I do if I received the WhatsApp Hi Mom Scam?

Do not respond or click any links. Block the sender, report the message as spam, and delete it. If it came via text message, forward it to 7726 (SPAM).

What if I already fell for the WhatsApp Hi Mom Scam?

Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank if you shared financial information, place a fraud alert on your credit, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How do I report the WhatsApp Hi Mom Scam?

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov, and your local law enforcement. If it impersonated a specific company, report it to that company as well.

WhatsApp Hi Mom Scam: Is It a Scam?

High Prevalence Type: Impersonation

Yes, this is a scam. Do not click any links or provide personal information.

In the 'Hi Mom' or 'Hi Dad' scam, fraudsters message you on WhatsApp pretending to be your child texting from a new phone number. They claim an emergency and urgently ask you to send money.

How This Scam Works

You receive a WhatsApp message from an unknown number saying 'Hi Mom, this is my new number. My phone broke.' After a brief exchange to build trust, the scammer claims they are in an urgent situation, such as needing to pay a bill, being stranded, or having their bank account locked. They ask you to transfer money immediately via bank transfer. The scammer may use information from social media to make the conversation more convincing, referencing real family details.

Red Flags to Watch For

Message from an unknown number claiming to be your child
Story about a broken or lost phone explaining the new number
Urgent request for money shortly after initial contact
Reluctance to make a voice or video call
Request for bank transfer rather than methods you normally use with family

Example Scam Messages

Message: 'Hi Mom its me. I dropped my phone in water and this is my new temporary number. Can you save it?' Follow-up: 'Mom I have a problem. I need to pay my landlord today but my bank app isn't working on this new phone. Can you transfer $1,200 to this account and I'll pay you back tomorrow?' --- Message: 'Hey Dad this is Sarah. New phone who dis lol. Actually I need help with something urgent...'

What to Do If You Received This

Call your child at their original number to verify
Ask a personal question only your real child would know
Never send money based on a text alone
Do not save the new number until verified
Be suspicious of any resistance to a voice or video call

What to Do If You Fell For It

Contact your bank immediately to try to reverse the transfer
File a police report
Report the number to WhatsApp
Alert family members so they are not targeted next
Time is critical for bank transfers; act within hours

How to Report This Scam

Report the number within WhatsApp (tap the number, Report)
Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
File a complaint with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov
File a local police report

Last updated: February 10, 2026