The 'Hi Mum, I've lost my phone' scam
What the message looks like
A message from a new number, from someone who sounds like your child, asking you to pay a bill for them urgently.
How to tell it's a scam
The message comes from a number you don't know: 'Hi Mum, this is my new number, my phone broke.' After some chat comes the ask: a bill that has to be paid today, to an account that isn't in your child's name.
Some scammers now send voice notes that sound like the person, made with AI from videos posted online. A familiar voice isn't proof on its own.
Before you send anything, call your child on the number you already have. It helps to agree a family safe word that any real emergency message would include.
The tell: Call your child on their usual number before sending anything.
Got one? Check it in seconds
Paste the message into Alice's free scam checker. It shows the warning signs and the exact words that set them off, and the check runs on your own device.
Check a messageAlready clicked, paid or shared details?
If you've paid or given bank details, call your bank straight away on 159 or the number on your card.
Where to report it in the UK
- Scam or spam text: forward it free to 7726
- Text pretending to be HMRC: forward it to 60599
- Worried someone has your bank details: call 159 to reach your bank's fraud team
- Lost money or gave details (England, Wales, Northern Ireland): Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or reportfraud.police.uk
- Lost money or gave details (Scotland): Police Scotland on 101
Contacts checked on each organisation's own website, September 2026.
What to do with a message you're not sure about
- Don't click the link, reply, or call the number in the message.
- Check for yourself: open the company's own app, or type its website address yourself.
- If it claims to be family, call them on the number you already have.
- Report it (below), then delete it.
Warn your family or group chat
Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before.
Not sure? Ask Alice
Paste the message into a chat and choose "Is this a scam?". Alice lists the warning signs she can see, gives a verdict, and tells you where to report it. Leave out your own account numbers — she never needs them.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. If money has already gone, contact your bank first.