The “stranded abroad” scam: how to check before you send money
Updated October 14, 2026 · 4 min read
In the “stranded abroad” scam, you’re told that a relative travelling overseas has lost their wallet and passport, or been robbed, and needs money wired immediately to get home. It’s believable because a relative might really be abroad, and the caller often knows enough from social media to sound right.
Why it works
Travel posts tell scammers where people are and who’s at home. A call from an unfamiliar number is easy to explain (“I’m on a stranger’s phone, mine was stolen”), and time-zone differences make it harder to reach the traveller.
Warning signs
- An unknown number with a story about a stolen phone or wallet.
- A request for a wire transfer, gift cards or crypto, sometimes to a “hotel manager” or “embassy official”.
- Insistence that you tell nobody.
- Reluctance to answer a personal question.
How to check
- Don’t send money yet.
- Message or call the traveller on their normal number, or WhatsApp, or ask a friend they’re travelling with.
- Ask for the family safe word or a personal question.
- Contact their embassy if you can’t reach them and are genuinely worried.
- Use Countersign: the real traveller gets a request on their own phone and confirms with Face ID.
For people who travel
Tell family how you’ll check in, agree a safe word before you go, and avoid posting live locations publicly. If you really do lose your phone, contact family from a known number or app, and let them know a different phone is being used (Countersign’s registered letter does this).
Frequently asked questions
How do I know a relative is really stranded abroad?
Contact them on their normal number or app, ask for the family safe word, or ask someone travelling with them. Don’t wire money before you’ve checked.
What should I do if the call came from a hotel or embassy number?
Look up the real organisation’s number yourself and call it. Don’t use a number the caller gives you.