In today’s digital age, scams and frauds have become more sophisticated and prevalent than ever before. One such scam that has recently been reported is the “Mom I’ve dropped my phone and here’s my new number” text scam.
The scam starts with a text message that appears to be from your child, stating that they have dropped their phone, usually in the toilet. They bought themselves a new SIM card and have a new number. The message typically reads something like “Mom, I’ve dropped my phone in the toilet and got a new number. Please save this new number: xxx-xxx-xxxx”. The message may seem genuine, and it is natural for a parent to be concerned about their child’s well-being, so many parents fall victim to this scam.
The aim of this scam is to convince the parent to send money to the new number provided. Scammers may claim that they are in an emergency or are in need of money for some urgent matter. They might also ask the parent to send money to a specific account or via a money transfer app like Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.
It is essential to note that this scam is not limited to parents alone. Anyone can fall victim to this scam if they receive such a message from someone they know. The scammer can impersonate anyone, and they may use a different story or pretext to persuade the victim to send them money.
To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is essential to take some precautions. Firstly, you should always verify the authenticity of the text message before sending any money. Call the sender’s old number to confirm that they have indeed lost their phone and got a new number. Alternatively, try contacting them via email or social media to confirm the legitimacy of the text message.
Another clue that this is not your child is that the area code of the new number, or the number that the scam is from, does not match the city your child lives in.
It is also advisable to be cautious about sharing personal information, such as your bank account or social security number, over text message. Scammers can use this information to commit identity theft or to gain access to your financial accounts.
Another red flag to watch out for is when the sender asks for money urgently. Scammers use this tactic to create a sense of urgency and panic in their victims, which can lead to hasty and unwise decisions.
It is also worth noting that scammers can use different variations of this scam. For example, they may claim that they have lost their wallet or keys and need money urgently. They may also impersonate other family members, such as grandparents or siblings, to make their story more convincing.
In conclusion, the “Mom I’ve dropped my phone and here’s my new number” scam is just one of many scams that are prevalent today. Scammers are constantly evolving and coming up with new ways to deceive people, so it is essential to be vigilant and cautious. Always verify the authenticity of any message or phone call before sending money or sharing personal information. If you suspect that you have fallen victim to a scam, contact your bank or financial institution immediately to report any suspicious activity. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so stay alert and protect yourself from these scams.
