East Hampshire mum shares story after falling victim to WhatsApp 'Hi Mum' scam – Farnham Herald

(Alfredo Rivera / Pixabay)Subscribe newsletterSubscribe to our email and get updates right in your inbox. I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Farnham Herald. Read our privacy noticeAn East Hampshire woman left embarrassed and out of pocket by an online scam-artist has shared her experience as a warning to others.The victim, from Headley, was duped by the so-called ‘Hi Mum’ scam on the mobile phone messaging app WhatsApp.The scam involves fraudsters posing as family members and exploiting their targets’ emotions to manipulate them into making money transfers.The victim received a text message purportedly from her daughter, informing her that her phone was broken and to use a new number to contact her via WhatsApp.Given that such requests for assistance were not uncommon between them, the victim did not immediately suspect any foul play.Once on WhatsApp, she attempted to call her daughter but was met with a response claiming that her daughter was highly stressed because of an urgent bill payment issue by her bank – again, not an unusual request.The fraudsters played on the victim’s goodwill by requesting that she cover the bill temporarily until her daughter could resolve the matter in person.Concerned for her
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