A text message claiming to be from your child says they have a new number and urgently need money — but it is a scammer posing as someone you love.
What is happening?
A text message arrives claiming to be from your son or daughter. It says they have lost or broken their phone and are messaging from a new number. After a short conversation — often moving to WhatsApp — they describe an urgent situation and ask you to transfer money to help them out.
Why does this scam work?
It works because it targets a parent's instinct to help their child immediately. The sense of urgency — I need this now, I'll explain later — is designed to stop you pausing to check. By the time you realise it was not your child, the money has gone.
Warning signs:
A text from an unknown number claiming to be your child. A request to continue the conversation on WhatsApp. Any mention of a new phone, a broken phone, or an emergency involving money.
What to do:
Do not transfer any money. Call your child directly on the number you already have for them to check whether they really did contact you. If you cannot reach them, contact another family member who can verify they are safe. You can report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726.
