"Hi Mom, This Is My New Number" — WhatsApp Family Scams
No phone call, no video, no voice — just a message and a profile photo, which turns out to be all some scammers need.
What this scam looks like
You receive a WhatsApp message from an unknown number claiming to be your child or close relative: "Hi Mom/Dad, I lost my phone, this is my new number, please save it." A friendly conversation follows, and soon a request for urgent money — to pay a bill, handle an emergency, or "borrow" until they sort out their bank access. The profile photo is often copied from the real family member's actual social media.
Why it works
Text-only conversation removes the voice and facial cues people would normally rely on to sense something is wrong, and a warm, familiar tone in the messages builds trust quickly. The "lost my phone" framing pre-explains why the number is unfamiliar, heading off the most obvious question before it's even asked.
Red flags to watch for
- An unknown number claiming to be a family member with a "lost/broken phone" explanation
- Any request for money that arrives before you've verified identity through another channel
- Reluctance or excuses when you suggest a quick voice or video call to confirm
- Urgency around the payment, discouraging you from taking time to think
How to protect yourself
Before sending any money, call the family member's known number directly, or request a quick video call — a scammer cannot produce this. If their phone is genuinely unreachable, verify through another family member or mutual contact rather than acting solely on the new number's word.
If this has already happened to you
Follow the steps on our "I've Been Scammed" page right away.
This article is general awareness information, not legal advice. See our disclaimer for details.