Pretending to be familyPretends to be: Family member13 Oct 2026
"Hi Mum, this is my new number"
A message from an unknown number pretends to be your child or grandchild, then asks you to pay an urgent bill.
What it looks like
A friendly text or WhatsApp message from a new number. After a few messages, they ask for money to be sent to someone else's account.
Hi Mum, I dropped my phone and this is my new number. Can you help me pay a bill today? I'll pay you back tomorrow x
How to spot it
- It's from a number you don't know
- They avoid a phone call
- The money goes to an account that isn't theirs
What to do
- Call your family member on the number you already have
- Ask a question only they would know
- Never send money until you've spoken to them
Information:
Who to report it to
- Your bank, on the number on the back of your card — straight away if you paid.
- Scamwatch: scamwatch.gov.au
- ReportCyber: cyber.gov.au (if you lost money or your accounts were hacked)
Warn your family and friends