An illustrative example
“It’s me. I’ve had an accident and need money right now. Please keep this between us.”
Warning signs to look for
- An urgent request for money, with pressure to act before checking.
- Instructions to keep the situation secret from other family members.
- A request for gift cards, cryptocurrency, a transfer, or a cash collection.
What you can do
- End the call. Contact your family member on a number already saved in your phone.
- If they do not answer, contact another trusted person who can help check the story.
- Do not rely on the voice or caller ID alone. A family code word can support your plan, but independent contact still matters.
Talk about it together
Try starting with:
“If you get an urgent call about me, hang up and call my saved number. I won’t mind you checking.”
Sources and further reading
FTC: family emergency scamsGeneral educational information. Reporting routes and protections vary by country.