"Hi Mom, this is my new number": how to spot the text scam
If a text from an unknown number says it's your kid with a new phone, don't reply with anything personal and don't send money. Call or text your kid's old number, or ask a question only they could answer. Real kids can prove it in seconds.
It starts warm and simple. No link, no threat. Just a message that sounds like your kid.
The messageHi Mom, this is my new number. I dropped my phone in the sink. Save this one!
A few texts later, the real ask shows up: a bill they can't pay on the new phone, a rent payment that's late, or money they need sent "just this once" because their banking app isn't set up yet.
How the scam works
Scammers send the same "new number" text to thousands of people. Anyone who replies "Is that you, Sam?" just gave them a name and a reason to keep going. They chat for a bit to build trust, then ask for money, usually by payment app, wire, or gift card. Those are hard to get back.
The red flags
- A new number and no phone call. Your kid could call to tell you, but they only text.
- They can't talk right now. The excuse is always a broken mic, a meeting, or bad service.
- Money comes up fast, and it has to be sent to someone else's account.
- "Don't tell Dad." Asking you to keep it secret is how they stop you from checking.
The one question that stops it
Ask something only your real kid would know, and that isn't on social media. The name of a childhood stuffed animal. What you had for dinner on their last birthday. A scammer can't answer, so they'll change the subject or push harder. That's your answer.
Even better: pick a family code word now, before anyone needs it. Say it out loud, never text it, and never post it.
What to do
- Don't send money or personal details.
- Call or text your kid's old number. Lost phones usually still get messages on a laptop or tablet.
- Check with someone else in the family.
- Block the number and report it by forwarding the text to 7726 (SPAM).
Already sent money?
Call your bank or the payment app right away and say it was a scam. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Speed matters: banks can sometimes stop a payment that hasn't gone through yet.
Questions people ask
What if my kid really did get a new number?
Then they can prove it easily. Call their old number, ask a family member, or ask them something only they would know. A real kid won't mind. A scammer will dodge the question or get upset.
The text used my name. Doesn't that mean it's real?
No. Scammers often start with "Hi Mom" or "Hi Dad" and let you fill in the name. Even when they know your name, it can come from social media or a data breach.
Should I reply to ask who it is?
It's safer not to. Any reply tells the scammer your number is active and that you might be a parent. Contact your kid on the number you already have instead.
I already sent money. What should I do?
Call your bank, or the app you used like Zelle or Venmo, right away and report it as fraud. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Money sent by gift card, crypto, or wire is hard to get back, so the faster you call, the better.