Had a fake 'Hi Dad' text? You're not alone as scammers target dads for Father's Day
Fake 'Hi Dad' texts have surged ahead of Father's Day, with scammers already stealing about £160,000 this year. The scams typically begin with a text or AI-generated call purportedly from a son or daughter in urgent need of money. Experts describe two main stages of the scheme, preying on busy parents who may act quickly under pressure. Santander UK's Chris Ainsley warned that men are losing about £100,000 daily to fraud in the first half of the year. Advice from specialists includes calling the person on a known number and asking simple questions only the genuine relative would know.
The warnings come as authorities urge heightened vigilance ahead of Father’s Day. Hannah Bingle of Yorkshire Building Society notes that messages from loved ones using new numbers can feel deeply unsettling. If in doubt, avoid sending money and verify details through trusted channels. Experts emphasize testing sender identity rather than accepting messages at face value. The piece highlights the ongoing risk as scammers adapt to technology during a peak travel and family-holiday period.
