What it looks like
"Hi Mom, I dropped my phone in water and this is my temporary number. You can save this one, the old one isn't working. Text me back when you see this."
An example. Real ones change their wording, amounts and names all the time.
How it works
The scammer does not know who you are. They send the same 'Hi Mom' or 'Hi Dad' text to thousands of numbers and wait for parents to reply. If you answer with your child's name, you have filled in the blank for them. From then on, they play that part.
After some friendly chat, the money request arrives. Their new phone is not set up for banking yet, and a bill is due today: rent, a phone bill, or a repair. Could you pay it for them, and they will pay you back tomorrow? The account belongs to someone else, which they explain away. If you pay, another urgent bill often follows.
It fools loving parents because phones really do break, and helping your child is natural. The scammer avoids phone calls, since a voice would give them away. A quick call to the number you already have usually clears it up in seconds.
Signs it is fake
- A text from an unknown number that starts with 'Hi Mom' or 'Hi Dad' and does not use a name
- A story about a lost, broken or new phone, and a request to delete the old number
- They cannot talk on the phone right now, only text
- An urgent bill to pay today because their banking app is locked on the new phone
- Payment to an account in someone else's name, like 'a friend' or 'the landlord'
What to do
- Do not send money. Call your child at the number you already have. Phones are often replaced with the same number.
- If you cannot reach them, ask the texter a question only your child would know, or call their partner or a sibling.
- Do not delete the old number, and do not save the new one until you have checked.
If you already clicked, called or paid
- Call your bank right away and ask them to stop or recall the payment.
- Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov.
- Block the number and report it as junk in your messaging app.
Being fooled is not your fault. These messages are made by professionals to look real. Acting quickly is what matters. See what to do if you paid a scammer.
Not sure about a message?
Forward it to Uncle at +1 208 214 0093, or send a screenshot. He tells you plainly what looks wrong. He never asks for passwords or codes, and he never texts first. How it works.
Worried about a parent? With the Family plan, you get a heads up when a likely scam reaches them.
More common scams
- Unpaid toll text
- Package delivery text
- Bank fraud alert text
- Amazon order or account text
- See all common scams
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle