Beware of text or WhatsApp messages appearing to be from a relative using an unknown number, asking for money or that you delete/block their old number. It’s likely to be a scam.
The ACMA is aware of reports of scammers impersonating family members claiming to have changed their number and asking you to save a new number into your phone.
These messages often begin with ‘Hi Mum’ and could provide several different reasons for why they are using a different phone number including switching providers or having a lost or broken phone.
These scams are designed to trick you into handing over money or financial information to a scammer.
If you respond to these messages, the scammer will eventually request money for some kind of emergency, including to buy a new phone or pay an urgent bill.
If you get a message like this, you can call or contact your relative on their usual number or messaging app to confirm it’s legitimate.
Scammers target everyone. Learn more about how to protect yourself from phone scams on the ACMA website or make a report to Scamwatch.
If you fall victim to a scam, contact your financial institution and phone provider and let them know what’s happened as quickly as possible.
IDCARE can help if your identity has been compromised or stolen on 1800 595 160 or at https://www.idcare.org/