A safe word for expat families
Updated October 16, 2026 · 5 min read
If you live in a different country from your parents, a scammer can use your absence: a new number, odd hours and few ways to confirm. A safe word and a rule that works across time zones turns that disadvantage into a habit.
What makes expats a target
- A new or foreign number doesn’t look odd when a relative abroad calls.
- Time zones mean calls at strange hours and few ways to reach you quickly.
- International transfers sound normal, so a request for money doesn’t raise suspicion.
- Public profiles often include voice clips and travel posts.
A plan that works across countries
- Agree a safe word on a video call and have everyone say it.
- Set a no-transfer rule: no money without a second check, whatever the story.
- Keep a second contact near your parents who knows your situation.
- Use a verification tool that works from any country: Countersign works by text with any mobile number worldwide.
- Do a practice call so your parents hear the pattern first.
Local reporting routes
- US: reportfraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov
- UK: Action Fraud
- Australia: Scamwatch
- Always contact the bank first if money has gone.
Tell them what you will and won’t do
Say clearly: “I will never ask you to send money in a hurry, or by gift card, or to keep it secret. If I ever need help, I’ll use our word.” Parents then have a rule to point to, not just a feeling.
Frequently asked questions
How do I protect my parents from scams when I live abroad?
Agree a safe word, a no-transfer rule and a second local contact, and use a check that works across countries.
Does Countersign work internationally?
Yes. It works with mobile numbers in many countries, and its prices are lower in lower-income regions.