"Mum, my phone broke" — a fake message from your child
A message from an unknown number says "Mum, this is my new number". Soon it asks for money, fast. It comes from fraudsters, not from your child.
Reviewed by Vitali Hisko, September 24, 2026
What the message looks like
Mum, it's me, this is my new number, my old phone broke. Save it and text me here.
Mum, I have to pay a bill today, but my banking app doesn't work on the new phone yet. Can you send €780 to my friend's account? I'll pay you back tomorrow.
What actually happens
It is not your child writing — it is fraudsters. They send the same text to thousands of people and wait for someone to answer. First they ask you to save the new number. A few hours or days later they ask for money: for a bill, a new phone, the rent. The money goes to a stranger's account, and getting it back is very hard.
The same trick also comes as a phone call: "Hello Mum, I've had an accident." Then a "lawyer", "doctor" or "police officer" takes the phone and asks for money. Sometimes they send someone to your door to collect it.
How to recognise it in three seconds
- A new number, and the old phone "broke" or "got lost".
- No name — just "Mum", "Dad" or "Grandma".
- They want money fast, and to someone else's account.
What to do
- Call your child on the old number you already have.
- No answer? Call another family member.
- Do not send money until you have talked to your child.
If you already sent money
- Call your bank right away — they may still stop the payment.
- Report it to the police on 112 or at epolicija.lt.
- Keep the messages and the number.
Who to tell
Police (112 or epolicija.lt — type the address yourself), your bank (number on your card). Block the number on your phone.