A wave of AI-powered scams are spreading around WhatsApp, spending nearly £500,000 in 2025 alone, and that’s May.
Cybercriminals now combine old techniques with new ones. In the ever-evolving “Hi Mom” scamthe fraudster pretends to be a loved one on WhatsApp and asks for emergency cash.
distortion
They now use AI-generated voice messages Imitate the voice of children, Make deception convincing.
“The liar is getting better at manipulating people…Clone any voice is simple now, even within a moment, it’s simple.”Jake Moore, ESET global cybersecurity consultant, said.
By number:
- 506 WhatsApp scam since January 2025
- Victims lost £490,606 ($651,230)
- Alone April: 135 cases, £127,417 losses
How it works:
- You get WhatsApp from an unknown number: “Hi, mom, I lost my phone.”
- They claimed they were locked in the bank.
- They send notes, sound Like your child.
- They ask you to transfer funds to your new account urgently.
WhatsApp “Hi Mum’s text scam screenshot excerpt. Photo: Santander
Danger
The scammer scrapes social media with voice clips and personal details. They then use the generated AI to clone the sound and create a believable story.
“I was able to deceive my mother with an AI version of my voice.” Moore admits.
Who is at risk:
- Parents with active children on social media
- Elderly users are not familiar with AI skills
- Anyone who receives messages from unfamiliar numbers
What you can do:
- always Call back using the saved number before sending the money
- Set up family “code words” to verify real emergency situations
- Never send money to a new account without confirmation
- Report a scam to 7726 (UK scam report line)
- If you become a victim, please contact your bank immediately
Stay alert
AI scams are moving forward quickly. WhatsApp, although encrypted, cannot prevent your phone number from sending messages to you.
“These scams are moving at an alarming rate.” Santander fraud chief Chris Ainsley said.
Artificial intelligence boosts a common scam. If your child is “calling” from a strange phone number, think twice before doing it. Then call them on the phone you know.
