Two arrests made in national £3.6m ‘Hi Mum’ text scam

Two men have been arrested in connection with a scam in which fraudsters contact people pretending to be related to them in order to steal their personal information.

In the early hours of this morning, two warrants were executed at addresses in South London.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation at an address in Bexleyheath. A second 21-year-old man was arrested at an address in Lewisham for the same offence. Both remain in custody.

This scam, known as “Hi mum,” or “hey mum”, sees con artists try to steal personal information and money by making it look like they’re a family member or friend, often who has “lost their phone” and is contacting you from a different number.

The fraudsters then move conversations on to trying to get a financial sum from victims – often to pay for the supposed lost phone. It is believed UK victims are losing £3.6million a year to this scam.

Detective Superintendent Helen Rance, head of the Met’s cyber crime unit, said: “The criminals conducting these scams can be very convincing.

“This is an absolutely devastating crime for so many people, who are acting in good faith believing that a loved one needs their help. To be tricked financially as a result of this good nature is abhorrent.

“We will continue to go after and arrest those responsible in this investigation, as well as any other criminal online behaviour.

“Our message to criminals carrying out these scams is that we are working hard to locate you, regardless of where you are.”

Working alongside the Met, Thames Valley Police also executed a search warrant this morning, Thursday, June 29, at an address in High Wycombe. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and remains in custody.

In March a 25-year-old man was arrested at an address in St Albans and a 22-year-old man at an address in Ruislip – both have been bailed to a date in September.

The Met said enquiries into the scam remain ongoing.

(Picture: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov)