RSN™ Anti-Scam Tip: Scammers Create Fake Emergencies To Get Your Money
It’s always one thing or another!
I lost my wallet and ID. I’m stranded — please wire money.”
“Your grandson is being held in jail. He needs bail money right away.”
Scammers try to trick you into thinking a loved one is in trouble.
They call, text, email, or send messages on social media about a supposed emergency with a family member or friend. They ask you to send money immediately. To make their story seem real, they may claim to be an authority figure, like a lawyer or police officer; they may have or guess at facts about your loved one. These imposters may insist that you keep quiet about their demand for money to keep you from checking out their story and identifying them as imposters.
But no matter how real or urgent this seems — it’s a scam.
If you get a call or message like this, what to do?
- Check it out before you act. Look up that friend or family’s phone number yourself. Call them or another family member to see what’s happening. Even if the person who contacted you told you not to.
- Don’t pay. Don’t wire money, send a check, overnight a money order, or pay with a gift card or cash reload card. Anyone who demands payment in these ways is always, always, always a scammer. These payment methods are like giving cash — and nearly untraceable unless you act almost immediately.
- If you sent money to a family emergency scammer, contact the company you used to send the money (wire transfer service, bank, gift card company, or cash reload card company) and tell them it was a fraudulent transaction. Ask to have the transaction reversed, if possible.
- Report the message to SCARS here or on www.Anyscam.com and the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint.
Visit our Main SCARS™ News & Information Facebook page for much more information about scams and online crime: www.facebook.com/SCARS.Victims.Support.And.Recovery
Please Be Sure To Report All Scammers Here Or On www.Anyscam.Com
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I’m being scammed right now kidnappers are holding a soonnto be girlfriend that was coming to me from another state in stead she’s be held for radom they wanted 5000$ I 0nly sent them 500 but they reneged and then they wanted the other 4500. That was over a week ago $500 might not see a lot but it is when it’s all you have. They’re still being held captive and they’re still trying to play their games I don’t not sure what to do I did everything I think I can if it’s not a scam it’s real bad if it is a scam at least I know they’re not going to hurt her kids.i don’t know what to do God help me if it’s not a scam. The FBI thinks it is the local police thinks it is. No one believes me and I feel like a fool.
It is a scam. Now contact your local police
My army Man keeps telling me that internet running out needs itones cards and needs my Bank information for his pay because it’s frozen he Will deposit it my account