The family emergency
A message or call from someone who seems to be your child or grandchild says they are in trouble and need money today. They also have a reason you cannot call them back the normal way. That reason is the part to notice.
How does it work?
By text, it opens with "Hi Mom" or "Hi Dad" and a story about a broken phone, which explains the unknown number and why they cannot talk.
By phone, a distressed voice says there has been an accident or an arrest, then hands over to a "lawyer" or "officer" who explains how to pay. Voices can be imitated from short clips posted online.
Either way, you are asked to keep it from the rest of the family.
What does one look like?
Hi mom, dropped my phone in the sink so this is my temporary number. I've got a bill that has to be paid today and I can't get into my banking on this phone. Could you cover it and I'll pay you back Friday? Please don't mention it to dad, he'll only worry.
- No name. It works on anyone with a child.
- The broken phone explains away every check you might make.
- Secrecy keeps you from the one conversation that would end it.
What are the warning signs?
- A new number plus a reason they cannot speak.
- Money needed the same day.
- A request to keep it quiet.
- Payment to an account or name you do not recognize.
How do I check it myself?
- Call them on the number you already have saved. Let it ring out, then try again.
- Call someone who would know where they are: a partner, a sibling, a roommate.
- Ask something only they would know. A private family phrase helps here too, though treat it as one check among several.
What if I already acted?
- Sent money? Contact your bank or the payment app immediately and ask them to reverse it.
- Shared card or account details? Call the number on the card.
- Tell the family. It stops the same message working on someone else.
Sources
- FTC: Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money
- FTC: How To Avoid a Scam
- FTC: What To Do if You Were Scammed
Written by the Scammer Checker editors. Published September 21, 2026. Reviewed against the sources above on September 21, 2026. The example is ours and uses reserved example domains.