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Scam teardown
The "Hi Mom, I have a new number" text
By Lajhem Cambridge, Founder of Lorna · Published Oct 15, 2026
Has a text like this arrived on your phone?
Text message
+1 (612) 555-01641
Hi Mom, my phone fell in the sink so I'm using this temporary number. Save it and text me back here?2
Oh no! Are you ok?
I'm fine but I can't log into my bank on this phone. Can you buy a $300 gift card and send me the numbers? I'll pay you back tonight.3
It sounds like your kid. It isn't.
- 1
A number you don't know, saying it's family. Anyone can type "Hi Mom." It doesn't prove who's on the other end.
- 2
"Save this number" moves you away from the real one. Once you text here, you're no longer checking with your child's actual phone.
- 3
Then comes the money ask, and it's urgent. Gift cards, a payment app or a wire transfer. Real family can wait while you check.
Your calm next step
Don't send money. Call your child at the number you already have. Can't reach them? Call another family member, or ask the texter something only your child would know.
Not sure?
Text Lorna a screenshot before you reply. Lorna will help you check if it's real.
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