All Irish WhatsApp users placed on high alert as new warning issued this week
The alert was issued this week after authorities reminded the public of a long-running and highly convincing message scam that has already cost victims hundreds of thousands of euros.
The threat is commonly known as the 'Hi mum' message - an approach that's been circulating for years and continues to trick unsuspecting users into handing over money to fraudsters posing as loved ones in distress.
Typically, the scam begins with a simple message such as 'Hi mum' or 'Hi dad', sent from an unknown number. Once the victim responds, the scammer builds a story claiming their phone has been lost or damaged and that they urgently need money to replace it.
The emotional manipulation and casual tone of the message are what make this trick so convincing. Many parents and relatives are caught out by the urgency and personal nature of the request, and often transfer funds before realising they've been scammed.
Authorities are urging everyone who uses WhatsApp to stay vigilant. Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Beware of fraudsters posing as friends or family, and claiming to need urgent financial help. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person outside of WhatsApp to confirm their identity." Action Fraud alert (Image: ACTION FRAUD)
To help stop the spread of these messages, users are advised to report and block suspicious contacts immediately. Action Fraud added: "Report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select 'Report' and then follow the instructions. If you lost money as a result of the scam message, please report it to Action Fraud."
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