Got a call that sounds like a family member in trouble? What to do
If a call from a "loved one" asks for money urgently, slow down. A cloned voice can sound real. These steps, drawn from FTC and FBI guidance, work whether the voice is fake or not.
During the call
- Resist the pressure to send money immediately. Urgency is the scammer’s main tool.
- Ask for your family code word, or a question only the real person would know (the FTC’s examples: “What kind of dog do you have?” or “Where did you spend Thanksgiving last year?”). Avoid answers that can be found on social media.
- Listen to tone and word choice. The FBI suggests listening closely for anything that doesn’t sound like the person.
- Write down what the caller says, the number shown, and any payment instructions.
- Hang up, or tell them you will call right back.
Right after you hang up
- Call your family member on a phone number you know is theirs.
- If you can’t reach them, contact another family member or their friends.
- Do not send wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift card numbers or other payments until you have confirmed the story yourself.
- Never share bank details, passwords or one-time codes with someone who called you.
Where to report it
- Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and to your state attorney general.
- If money or account access was involved, also file a complaint with the FBI at ic3.gov. Include phone numbers, how you were told to pay, amounts, dates and any account or wallet details.
- Adults 60+ (or someone helping them) can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline, 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311), Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Eastern.
- If someone may be in danger right now, call 911.
Frequently asked questions
What if I’m not sure it was fake?
Calling back on a known number costs you nothing. A real family member will understand. A scammer will push you not to.
Should I call back the number that called me?
No. Use a number you already have for your family member, not the one shown on the incoming call.
Sources
- Scammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes (March 2023) — Federal Trade Commission
- Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money — Federal Trade Commission
- Criminals Use Generative AI to Facilitate Financial Fraud (PSA I-120324-PSA, Dec 2024) — FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov — Federal Trade Commission
- File a complaint with IC3 — FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Free: Free Family Code-Word Card
AI character: Scam Hunter is an AI-created character and not a licensed financial advisor. Content is general education, not professional advice.