Grandparent Scams UK — Hi Mum Scams and Family Emergency Fraud

Grandparent scams and Hi Mum scams are among the most emotionally devastating frauds targeting UK families. Criminals impersonate your children or grandchildren claiming to be in trouble — then exploit your love and concern to steal thousands of pounds. Here is how they work and how to protect your family.

The Hi Mum Scam — How It Works

The most common version of this scam starts with a WhatsApp message from an unknown number:

Once you respond believing it is your child they create an emergency — they need money urgently for a bill, an accident, they are stuck somewhere or they need help with a payment. They promise to pay you back immediately but the money goes straight to criminals.

The Grandparent Scam — Phone Call Version

A caller claims to be your grandchild in serious trouble — they have had a car accident, been arrested, are in hospital abroad or have lost their wallet. They beg you not to tell their parents and ask you to send money urgently. Sometimes an accomplice poses as a lawyer, police officer or doctor to add authenticity.

Why These Scams Are So Effective

These scams exploit the strongest human emotions — love for family and fear for a loved one's safety. The urgency and emotional pressure prevent victims from thinking clearly or checking the story. Criminals research family relationships using information from social media and data broker websites before making contact.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Establish a family safe word — agree a word with your children and grandchildren that they would use in a genuine emergency. If someone contacts you claiming to be a family member but does not know the safe word it is a scam.

Always call back on a known number — if you receive a message claiming to be from a family member on a new number call their original number immediately to verify.

Never send money without verification — no matter how urgent the situation sounds never send money before speaking to the person directly on a number you already have.

Talk to elderly relatives — make sure elderly parents and grandparents know about these scams. Practice what to do if they receive such a message.

Remove family information from social media — criminals research family relationships before targeting. Review your social media privacy settings and remove family member tags from public posts.