The “Mum, this is my new number, please transfer” scam
A message from a new number claiming to be family = be careful
“Mum, my phone broke, this is my new number. Please transfer some money, it’s urgent.”
A message from a new number claiming to be family = be careful
“Mum, my phone broke, this is my new number. Please transfer some money, it’s urgent.”
Call that person’s OLD number
Or make a video call. Ask something only they would know.
Don’t transfer until you are sure
Scammers are always in a hurry and have a reason why they can’t talk on the phone.
Did it work?
Save it, or post it to your story.
From basic to technician
Technical details (for the curious)
How scammers know family names
From social media, leaked data, or a relative’s hijacked WhatsApp account. Profile photos can be copied from the real account.
A family code word
Agree on a secret family word for emergencies. If the person messaging doesn’t know it, don’t trust them.
Accounts in someone else’s name
A request to send money to an account in another person’s name (“use my friend’s account for now”) is almost always a scam.
While you’re here
Worth reading
Quiz time
Still not fixed?
In the next update you can tell us what happened, and our AI helper will suggest another way. Until then, restart the device and go through the steps once more.