Hi Mum/Dad, I’ve got a new phone

Hi Mum/Dad, I’ve got a new phone

⚠️ Scam Text Message Alert – “Hi Mum/Dad, I’ve got a new phone”

We’re seeing an increase in scam text messages where criminals pretend to be your son or daughter, claiming they’ve “got a new phone” and need help. The message often looks genuine and may ask you to urgently transfer money or share banking information.

How the scam works:

You receive a message starting with something like “Hi Mum / Hi Dad, I’ve got a new phone and my old one is broken.”

The scammer will then say they are stuck, can’t access their online banking, and need you to send money right away.

They may pressure you by saying they’re embarrassed, stressed, or in trouble.

What to do:

Do not respond to the message.

Do not send any money.

Contact your child directly on their usual number to check if the request is real.

Report the scam by forwarding the message to 7726 (free spam-reporting service).

If you’ve already transferred money, contact your bank immediately.

Please share this with family, friends, and neighbours—these scams rely on catching people off‑guard.

If you need further advice, feel free to get in touch.

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Message Sent By
Thomas Passmore
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Lichfield)