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Victoria Police arrested a 21-year-old man from Templestowe, northeast Melbourne. The six-week investigation led the police to the man and charged him with five counts of obtaining property by deception.
The scammer allegedly obtained electronic goods in person and used false documents. The scammer also got a substantial amount of money using the scam. According to The Age’s reporter Melissa Cunningham, “the charges relate to fraudulent transactions that occurred over online marketplaces between December 3 and 7, across Ringwood, Narre Warren, Mill Park, Mitcham and Doncaster East. Under the ‘Hi Mum’ scam, victims are contacted, most often through WhatsApp, by a scammer posing as their child.”
Once he convinces the victims that he is their child, he will tell them that his phone was either lost or damaged, justifying why he is using an unknown number. He will then ask for money to replace his phone or pay a bill or transportation fee.
Upon further investigation, some messages would say ‘hi mum’ while some would have detailed information about the victim and the person he is impersonating. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), “More than 1150 Australians fell victim to the “Hi Mum” scam in the first seven months of 2022, losing $2.6 million.”
ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard reminded the public that it is essential to verify suspicious messages and recommends contacting the sender using a different form of communication or simply asking particular questions to ensure the sender’s identity.
“Scammers will stop at nothing to get your personal details or money, and this particular scam is designed to pull your heartstrings. It’s important to stop and think if you get a message, especially on WhatsApp, because chances are it’s not your family member or friend. It’s a scammer,” she added.
The scammer was set free temporarily with a bail. He will be appearing at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on July 18.
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