Family and romance scams
A caller or text asks for a donation. How to check the charity
Pressure to donate by phone, text or gift card is a sign of a charity scam. A simple way to check a charity, pay safely and report a fake.
The Editors3 min read
Category
Family and romance scams
Calls and messages that borrow a loved one's voice or heart.
5 articles
Family and romance scams
A call sounds exactly like your son or grandchild. Is it cloned?
Scammers can copy a voice from a short clip and use it in a family emergency call. How the call goes, what the FBI and FTC advise, and how to check.
The Editors4 min read
Family and romance scams
An online friend asks for money. Is it a romance scam?
Someone you met online is warm, attentive and always has a reason they cannot meet. How romance scams work and why you should never send money.
The Editors4 min read
Family and romance scams
A grandchild called saying they're in trouble. Here's how to tell if it's real.
A grandchild calls in trouble and asks for money. How to tell if it is real, and the code word that protects your family.
The Editors3 min read
Family and romance scams
A stranger texts "wrong number" and keeps chatting. What is it?
A friendly text from a stranger, sent by mistake, is how some scams begin. Why not replying is the kind choice, and how to report and block the number.
The Editors3 min read