Scam Radar

How can you recognize WhatsApp 'Hi mom' — son/daughter pretends to have a new number and asks for urgent money?

Published

TLDR

WhatsApp message from an unknown number (+34, +31, +44): 'Hi mom, it's me, my phone is broken, this is my new number'. After gaining trust, they request a Bizum/bank transfer of 800 3,500 EUR to pay an 'urgent bill' or a 'new phone'....

How it works

WhatsApp message from an unknown number (+34, +31, +44): 'Hi mom, it's me, my phone is broken, this is my new number'. After gaining trust, they request a Bizum/bank transfer of 800 3,500 EUR to pay an 'urgent bill' or a 'new phone'....

Red flags

  • Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.
  • A link or sender that does not match the official organization.
  • Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.

What to do

  1. 1IF YOU ARE A VICTIM: notify the bank to reverse the Bizum/transfer (possible within less than 24h), file a report with the Policia Nacional, INCIBE 017.

Source

INCIBE

Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team

https://www.incibe.es/index.php/ciudadania/avisos

FAQ

Is WhatsApp 'Hi mom' — son/daughter pretends to have a new number and asks for urgent money a real scam pattern?

Yes. Treat the message, call, or payment request as suspicious until you verify it through an official channel.

What are the first warning signs?

Urgent pressure to click, pay, or share codes immediately.; A link or sender that does not match the official organization.; Requests for card data, passwords, OTPs, wallet signatures, or bank transfers.

What should I do first?

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM: notify the bank to reverse the Bizum/transfer (possible within less than 24h), file a report with the Policia Nacional, INCIBE 017.

Can LegalAudit check my case?

Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.