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"Hi Mom" Text Scams

3 minute read

Messages claiming to be from family in trouble.

How It Works

  1. You get a text from an unknown number
  2. They claim to be your child, grandchild, or other family member
  3. They say they have a new phone number
  4. After building rapport, they urgently need money
  5. They ask for gift cards, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer payment

What It Looks Like

Opening message:

Hi mom, I dropped my phone in water and this is my new number. Can you save it?

Or:

Grandma? This is [name]. I’m using my friend’s phone because mine broke.

Follow-up (after you respond):

Can you do me a quick favor? I need to pay something but my banking app won’t work on this new phone. Can you send me $500 via Zelle/Apple Pay/gift cards? I’ll pay you back tomorrow.

If questioned:

Mom please, this is really stressful. I don’t have time to explain everything. Can you just help me?

Red Flags

  • Text from an unknown number claiming to be family
  • Can’t call or video chat (“phone is broken”)
  • Urgently needs money
  • Wants gift cards, wire transfer, or peer-to-peer payment
  • Gets agitated or emotional when questioned
  • Excuse for why normal verification won’t work
  • Story has details that seem slightly off

How to Protect Yourself

Always verify before sending money:

Option 1: Call their real number

Even if they say the phone is broken, call it anyway. Many “broken” phones still ring—they just won’t answer.

Option 2: Ask a question only they’d know

  • “What did we have for Christmas dinner?”
  • “What’s your sister’s middle name?”
  • “What was our family vacation last year?”

Option 3: Contact them another way

Text their email. Message them on social media. Call another family member who’s with them.

Option 4: Ask them to call you

If it’s really your family member, they can find a way to call.

Remember

  • Scammers research families online—they may know names and basic details
  • They use emotional manipulation: “Mom, please, I’m really stressed”
  • They create urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly
  • Your real family member won’t mind you verifying
If it's really your family member, they'll understand you being careful. They might even be proud of you for not falling for scams.

If You Sent Money

  1. Stop all communication with the scammer
  2. Contact the payment method:
    • Gift cards: Call the company on the back of the card
    • Zelle/Venmo: Report as fraud in the app
    • Wire transfer: Contact the service immediately
  3. Report to FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  4. Warn your family so they’re not targeted next

Full steps: I think I was scammed →