Wire transfer, gift cards, crypto: payment red flags in family emergency scams

Payment methods scammers ask for

• Wiring money through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram.
• Buying gift cards and reading out the numbers on the back.
• Sending cryptocurrency.
• Sending money through a payment app.
• Handing cash to a “courier” who comes to the door.

What to do if you’re asked to pay this way

• Stop. Don’t pay anyone who called you unexpectedly, however real they sound.
• Verify the story by calling your family member on a number you already know.
• Never give gift card numbers or PINs to a caller.

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

Sources

• Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money — Federal Trade Commission
• Scammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes (March 2023) — Federal Trade Commission
• 'Grandparent' Scams Get More Sophisticated — Federal Communications 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