Relative in Trouble Scams - Verify Before You Send Money

⭐📞 RELATIVE IN TROUBLE SCAMS - STOP, CALL, AND VERIFY

Scammers may call or text claiming that a family member is in trouble and urgently needs money. They may pretend to be your relative, a friend, an attorney, or even a police officer and create a convincing emergency to pressure you into acting quickly. Before sending money, reach out to your relative directly using a trusted phone number to make sure the situation is real.

💬 COMMON STORIES SCAMMERS USE:

• “I’m in trouble and I need money right away.”

• “I was arrested and need bail money.”

• “I’m in an accident and need help paying for medical care.”

• “My phone broke, so I’m using someone else’s number.”

• “Please don’t tell anyone - I need you to help me.”

🚨 WARNING SIGNS:

• The caller demands immediate payment.

• They claim they can't talk or video chat normally.

• They ask you to keep the situation secret.

• They request gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps.

• The caller becomes upset when you try to verify the story.

🛡️ PROTECT YOURSELF:

• Contact your relative directly using a trusted number.

• Don't rely on the phone number calling or texting you.

• Ask questions only the real person would know.

• Talk to another family member before sending money.

• Never let someone else's urgency prevent you from verifying the situation.

🧰 HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• FTC: A way to spot scams: how someone asks you to pay

• FTC: Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money

• Fairwinds: How Scammers are Using Friends and Family to Steal Your Money

• FTC: Report Fraud

📍 IF YOU RECEIVE AN EMERGENCY CALL:

1. Stop and don't send money immediately.

2. Contact your relative directly using a known phone number.

3. Verify the situation with another trusted family member.

4. Contact your bank if you already sent money.

5. Report suspected fraud to the FTC.