'Hi Mum' scam evolves with AI voice cloning
Impersonating: WhatsApp
What is this scam?
The well-known 'Hi Mum' WhatsApp scam has evolved with fraudsters now sending AI-generated voice messages that convincingly replicate the sound of the victim's child using clips gathered from social media. The initial text claims the sender has a new number due to a lost or broken phone, then escalates to an urgent request for a large bank transfer. Which? warns the AI voice variant is significantly harder to detect than earlier text-only versions and has also spread to standard SMS.
Example scam message
Hi mum, it's me — I've had to get a new number because I dropped my phone in the sink. I'm in a really awkward situation and need £800 urgently for rent, my landlord's kicking off. Can you transfer it now? I'll pay you back on Friday, promise. Don't call dad yet, I don't want him to worry.
Red flags to look out for
- The message creates urgency — threatening a fine, missed delivery, or account closure.
- Links lead to unofficial domains that don't match the real company's website.
- You weren't expecting this message and can't verify the event it references.
- It asks you to confirm payment details or personal information via a link.
- The sender's number or email address doesn't match the company's official contact.
What to do if you receive this
- Do not call any numbers or click any links in the message.
- Log in to your account directly via the official website or app to check for any real alerts.
- Forward the message to 7726 or email report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Received this message?
Forward it to 7726 (free on all UK networks) to report it to your mobile provider.
You can also report it to Action Fraud
or email the NCSC at report@phishing.gov.uk.
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