⚠️ Scam Text Message Alert – “Hi Mum/Dad, I’ve got a new phone”

We’re seeing an increase in scam text messages where criminals pretend to be your son or daughter, claiming they’ve “got a new phone” and need help. The message often looks genuine and may ask you to urgently transfer money or share banking information.

How the scam works:

• You receive a message starting with something like “Hi Mum / Hi Dad, I’ve got a new phone and my old one is broken.”
• The scammer will then say they are stuck, can’t access their online banking, and need you to send money right away.
• They may pressure you by saying they’re embarrassed, stressed, or in trouble.

What to do:

• Do not respond to the message.
• Do not send any money.
• Contact your child directly on their usual number to check if the request is real.
• Report the scam by forwarding the message to 7726 (free spam-reporting service).
• If you’ve already transferred money, contact your bank immediately.

Please share this with family, friends, and neighbours—these scams rely on catching people off‑guard.