⚠️📱 SMART ALERT: “Hi Mum/Dad, I’ve got a new phone” Scam on the Rise!

We’re seeing an increase in fake text messages where criminals pretend to be your son or daughter, claiming they’ve changed their phone number. These scams can feel convincing and often attempt to pressure you into sending money. 🚫💷

🔍 How the Scam Works:

• 💬 You receive a message starting with “Hi Mum…” or “Hi Dad…”
• 📱 The scammer claims they’ve got a new phone and their old one is broken
• 💸 They say they can’t access their online banking
• ⏳ You’re asked to send money urgently, often with emotional pressure such as:
  “I’m stressed… embarrassed… in trouble…”

✅ What You Should Do:

• 🔕 Do NOT reply to the message
• 💰 Do NOT send any money
• 📞 Call your child directly using their normal number to check
• 🚫📩 Forward the scam message to 7726 (free spam-reporting service)
• 🏦 If you’ve already transferred money, contact your bank immediately

📢 Spread the Word!

Please share this alert with friends, family, neighbours, and especially anyone who may be more vulnerable to scams. The more people who know, the fewer who get caught out. 🛡️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦