TLDR
Scammer contacts via WhatsApp/SMS with a message such as 'Hi mum/dad, I lost my phone, this is my new number. I urgently need X euros to pay Y'. Indicators: 1) unknown number claiming to be a family member; 2) extreme urgency; 3) request...
How it works
Scammer contacts via WhatsApp/SMS with a message such as 'Hi mum/dad, I lost my phone, this is my new number. I urgently need X euros to pay Y'. Indicators: 1) unknown number claiming to be a family member; 2) extreme urgency; 3) request...
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
- 1Never pay.
- 2Report to Postal Police.
- 3IF VICTIM: block the bank transfer through the bank within 24h, file a report immediately (within 72h for cross border IBAN recovery), save screenshots of the thread.
Source
CSIRT-Italia-ScamWatch
Source reviewed by Mythos Forensic Team
https://www.csirt.gov.it/contenuti/whatsapp-hello-mumFAQ
Is WhatsApp 'Hello Mum / Hi Dad' — family impersonation 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?
Never pay.; Report to Postal Police.; IF VICTIM: block the bank transfer through the bank within 24h, file a report immediately (within 72h for cross border IBAN recovery), save screenshots of the thread.
Can LegalAudit check my case?
Yes. Start a free chat and paste the message, link, sender, or payment details for triage.