Family Impersonation

Protecting Yourself from Scams Involving Family Impersonation

Family impersonation scams exploit trust by pretending to be a relative in distress. These fraudsters often claim to need urgent help, such as money for bail, medical bills, or travel expenses, to manipulate victims into acting without verifying the situation.

Things to Be Careful About:

Urgent Requests: Claims of emergencies requiring immediate action are a common red flag.
Unverified Identity: Scammers may provide vague or inconsistent details about themselves or the situation.
Pressure to Keep It Secret: Fraudsters may ask you not to inform other family members or friends.
Requests for Money Transfers: Demands for payment via untraceable methods, such as gift cards or wire transfers, are typical.
Unusual Contact Methods: Contacting you from unknown numbers, social media, or email may indicate a scam.

Actions You Can Take:

Verify the Story: Contact the relative directly through known phone numbers or channels to confirm their situation.
Ask Questions: Pose questions that only the real family member would know the answer to.
Involve Other Family Members: Cross-check with other relatives to ensure the claim is legitimate.
Do Not Share Financial Information: Avoid providing payment details or sending money without proper verification.
Report the Scam: Notify local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies about impersonation attempts.

Family impersonation scams prey on emotions and urgency, but careful verification and communication can help protect you and your loved ones. Always take a moment to confirm the situation before responding to urgent requests for help.