With school holidays just around the corner, Vodafone is urging parents to be on high alert for a rising text message scam that preys on families. New research from Vodafone has revealed that one in seven Australians have fallen victim to the infamous ‘Hi Dad/ Hi Mum scam‘ in just the last 12 months, highlighting the growing threat to unsuspecting parents.
Despite its prevalence, the survey found that nearly half (44%) of Australians are still unaware of this scam, leaving many vulnerable to fraudsters posing as their loved ones in distress. These scams typically involve a text message from an unknown number, claiming to be a family member who has lost or broken their phone and urgently needs money.
In December 2024, Kylee Dennis, a former police officer, experienced firsthand how convincing these scams can be. Her mother received frantic messages from someone claiming to be Kylee, saying she had broken her phone and needed money for an urgent bill. Initially sceptical, Kylee’s mother attempted to call her, but Kylee was swimming at the time and unreachable. As the fraudster continued to apply pressure, her mother, desperate to help, attempted to transfer $4,750 before realising the scam.
Tips for protecting against ‘Hi Dad/ Hi Mum’ scams
To help families stay vigilant, Vodafone’s GM of Technology Security, Lee Barney, has shared essential tips for protecting against ‘Hi Dad/ Hi Mum’ scams:
- Beware of unknown numbers asking for money – If you receive a text or WhatsApp message from an unknown number claiming to be a loved one, do not send any money.
- Be suspicious of urgent requests – Scammers use urgency to create panic. If someone is pressuring you for immediate financial help, verify their identity through another channel.
- Pick up the phone – Always call the mobile number saved in your contacts to confirm if your loved one is really in trouble.
- Ask a personal question – If a call isn’t possible, ask a question only your real family member would know the answer to.
- Set up a safe word – Establish a secret code with your family that can be used in emergencies to verify their identity.
- Report the scam – If you receive a suspicious message, report it to Scamwatch to help prevent others from falling victim.
As scammers become more sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant is crucial. By following these steps, parents can protect themselves and their families from falling for this distressing yet all-too-common scam.
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