"Hi Mum, this is my new number" messages

It starts with a friendly message: "Hi Mum, I've broken my phone, this is my new number." A little later comes a request to pay a bill urgently because their banking app isn't working on the new phone.

It works because it relies on kindness, not on any lack of knowledge. Plenty of sharp, careful people have been caught by it.

Signs it's a scam

A message from an unknown number saying they've lost or broken their phone
They don't use your name, or the name they use for you is slightly off
They can't talk on the phone right now — only message
A request to pay someone else's account, often "a friend" or "the landlord"
Pressure to do it quickly, before the end of the day

How to check in under a minute

Ring your child on the number you already have. If their phone really is broken, call them through someone they live or work with, or ask the new number for a voice note or quick video call. A scammer will make an excuse.

Some families agree a simple code word in advance. If the message can't give it, it isn't them.

If you've already paid

Call your bank straight away on 159 or the number on your card
Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
Report the number in WhatsApp and block it