Learn ways to spot and avoid scammers impersonating loved ones

You always want to support your loved ones and be there for them if they ever need help. That kind of generosity is exactly what scammers will use to try and trick you into giving up your personal information, money, or both. Here are some essential tips to help you stay one step ahead of these fraudsters and safeguard your information:

Watch for warning signs

Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, text messages, or pieces of mail claiming a family member is in trouble, stranded, or facing a dire situation. Scammers will try to create a false sense of urgency to manipulate your emotions. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and critically evaluate the situation.

Verify the person’s identity

If a family member contacts you with an urgent request for money or other personal information, like your social security number or account routing numbers, pause before taking action. Call them directly or reach out through a known separate channel to confirm who they really are. Scammers know you’ll want to help a loved one, so they’ll use emotional pleas to deceive you. Be sure to always double-check who it really is.

Don't share sensitive information

Never provide personal information or financial details to someone over the phone without proper verification of who they are and why they would need that info. Genuine family members will should always understand and respect your caution. Maintain a healthy level of skepticism, prioritize your security, and protect your sensitive data,

Educate and communicate

Spread awareness within your own family and educate your loved ones about this type of scam. Openly discuss the common tactics of scammers and the risks of falling victim to them, then establish a group system to confirm identities in case of emergencies. By staying informed together, you can create a stronger defense against these heart-wrenching scams.

Report and share

If you or someone you know falls victim to a family scam, report it to your local authorities and inform your bank or financial institution immediately. Sharing your experience can help others recognize the warning signs and protect themselves from similar fraud attempts.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe

These types of scams are a legitimate threat to you, your personal and financial information, and the personal and financial info of your family members. By watching for warning signs, verifying a loved one’s identity, and being skeptical of a sudden need to give your personal information, you can protect yourself from these types of disheartening scams. If you do fall victim to someone impersonating a loved one, you can minimize the damage and prevent any more harm or hits to your account by taking immediate action and reporting the details to authorities and letting your loved ones know.