'Hi Mum/Dad' Scam – AI Family Impersonation
High RiskGot a message, call or offer like this?
Take your time. Treat it as a scam until you have checked it yourself.
- Don't tap links, reply, or ring numbers it gives you. On a call, hang up.
- Don't pay, and don't share card details, PINs, passwords or codes.
- Check with whoever it claims to be, using contact details you find yourself.
Overview
This emotional scam involves a WhatsApp message from an unknown number pretending to be your son, daughter, or loved one, urgently requesting money. The scam has evolved to include AI-generated photos or voice notes for extra realism, making it increasingly difficult to detect.
What This Scam Looks Like
Tap a highlighted part to see why it's suspicious. Every red flag is also listed under the message.
online
Hi Mum!! 👋 My phone fell in water and this is my new temp number2: red flag 2, show whyClassic excuse - always call their real number to verify. Can you save it? I'm in a bit of trouble and really need your help urgently 😔 My rent is due today and my bank app won't work on this new phone. Could you transfer €8003: red flag 3, show whySpecific amount that seems reasonable but is significant to my housemate's account4: red flag 4, show whyMoney going to third party - major red flag!? I'll pay you back Friday when I get paid It's really urgent mum, they said I'll be evicted if I don't pay by 6pm5: red flag 5, show whyFalse urgency to prevent you from verifying Here's the account: IBAN: IE12 BOFI 9000 1234 5678 906: red flag 6, show whyAccount likely belongs to scammer or money mule Please mum I'm really stressed 😢💕
16:45
Red flags in this message
- 1
Sender: +353 87 XXX 9182
Unknown number claiming to be your child - always verify!
- 2
“new temp number”
Classic excuse - always call their real number to verify
- 3
“€800”
Specific amount that seems reasonable but is significant
- 4
“housemate's account”
Money going to third party - major red flag!
- 5
“evicted if I don't pay by 6pm”
False urgency to prevent you from verifying
- 6
“IE12 BOFI 9000 1234 5678 90”
Account likely belongs to scammer or money mule
Typical Targets
- •Parents with adult children
- •Grandparents
- •Anyone whose family member might plausibly need help
- •People who respond emotionally to family distress
Why This Scam Works
- •Strong emotional response to family in trouble
- •Urgency doesn't allow time to verify
- •Plausible explanations for new number (lost/broken phone)
- •AI voice clones sound increasingly realistic
- •Parents naturally want to help their children
Example
A Donegal mother received a WhatsApp message: "Hi Mum, I dropped my phone in the sink, this is my temporary number. I'm in a bind and need €800 for my rent by today or I'll be evicted. Can you transfer to my housemate?" She sent the money. Her actual daughter called that evening from her normal number.
* An illustration of how this scam works, not from a victim case we hold.
How to Avoid This Scam
- Always verify by calling the person on their known number
- Ask a question only the real person would know
- Be suspicious of urgent money requests from new numbers
- Establish a family code word for emergencies
- Don't let urgency override verification
- If they can't take a call, that's a red flag
If You've Been Caught Out
Don't panic – take these steps immediately:
- 1Contact your bank immediately to attempt payment recovery
- 2Report to An Garda Síochána
- 3Report the WhatsApp number to WhatsApp
- 4Don't blame yourself – these scams exploit love
- 5Warn family and friends about the scam
- 6Consider how the scammer knew your details (social media privacy)
* This information is for guidance only. Always seek professional advice for your specific situation.
Who to Contact for Help
Your Bank
Check your card
Attempt payment recall
An Garda Síochána
Local station
Report the fraud
In-app reporting
Report the number
Age Action
01 475 6989
Support for older victims
New scams, as they appear
New scam warnings and safety tips, as we publish them.