A wave of AI-powered scams is sweeping across WhatsApp, costing UK families nearly half 1,000,000 kilos in 2025 alone and it’s only May.
Cybercriminals at the moment are combining old tricks with recent tech. In the evolving “Hi Mum” scam, fraudsters impersonate a loved one over WhatsApp and ask for emergency money.
The twist
They’re now using AI-generated voice messages to mimic children’s voices, making the deception frighteningly convincing.
“Scammers are increasingly convalescing at manipulating people… cloning any voice is now easy, even in a matter of moments,”says Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET.
By the numbers:
- 506 WhatsApp scams since Jan 2025
- Victims lost £490,606 ($651,230)
- April alone: 135 cases, £127,417 lost
How it really works:
- You get a WhatsApp from an unknown number: “Hi Mum, I lost my phone.”
- They claim they’re locked out of their bank.
- They send a voice note and it sounds like your child.
- They ask you to urgently transfer money to a brand new account.
The danger
Scammers scrape social media for voice clips and private details. Then they use generative AI to clone the voice and craft a believable story.
“I used to be in a position to idiot my very own mother with an AI version of my voice,” Moore admits.
Who’s in danger:
- Parents with energetic kids on social media
- Elderly users less conversant in AI tricks
- Anyone receiving messages from unfamiliar numbers
What you possibly can do:
- Always call back using a saved number before sending money
- Set up family ‘code words’ to confirm real emergencies
- Never send money to a brand new account without confirmation
- Report scams to 7726 (UK scam reporting line)
- If you fall victim, contact your bank immediately
Stay vigilant
AI scams are advancing fast. WhatsApp, though encrypted, can’t stop someone together with your number from messaging you.
“These scams are evolving at breakneck speed,” says Chris Ainsley, head of fraud at Santander.
AI has supercharged a typical scam. If your child “calls” from a wierd number asking for money, think twice. Then call them on the number .
