Scams explained
How each family-impersonation scam works, the warning signs, and what to do.
- The grandparent scam: how it works and how to protect your familyThe grandparent scam: a caller pretends to be your grandchild in trouble and asks for money. See the script, warning signs, and how to protect older relatives.
- The “Hi Mum” (or “Hi Dad”) text scam: how to spot itThe “Hi Mum” or “Hi Dad” scam: a text from an unknown number claims to be your child with a new phone. How to spot it and how to check it’s really them.
- Family emergency scams: warning signs and what to doA family emergency scam: a caller claims a relative is in trouble and needs money now. Warning signs, a step-by-step response, and how to prepare your family.
- Virtual kidnapping scams: what to do if you get the callIn a virtual kidnapping scam, criminals claim to have kidnapped a family member, often using a cloned or crying voice. How it works and what to do.
- The “stranded abroad” scam: how to check before you send moneyA caller says a relative is stuck overseas without money or a passport and needs a transfer. Warning signs and how to check before you send anything.