Messages Pretending to Be from Your Children

Phishing scams that pretend to be your children in distress are particularly cruel, preying on parental instincts to protect and assist their loved ones. By staying informed, verifying suspicious messages, and educating your family, you can protect yourself and others from these deceitful tactics. Always take a moment to pause and think before responding to unexpected requests for money.

How the Scam Works

These scams typically start with a message from an unknown number claiming to be your child. They craft convincing stories to manipulate you into sending money. The message might say something like:

1. Broken Phone Request: "Hey Mom, I dropped my phone, and it's completely smashed. I'm borrowing a friend's phone to text you. Could you please send $200 so I can get a new one? Here's the account number..."

2. Legal Trouble Plea: "Dad, I got into some legal trouble, and I need $500 for a lawyer. I'm really scared. Please send the money to this account right away."

3. Unpaid Phone Bill: "Hi, it's your son/daughter. My phone bill is overdue, and they've disconnected my service. I need $100 to pay it. Can you help me out?"

The scammer's goal is to create a sense of urgency and exploit your concern for your child's well-being, prompting you to act quickly without verifying the situation.

Who Is Most Vulnerable?

Scammers often target:

• Elderly Parents: Older adults may be less familiar with digital communication and more inclined to help without questioning.
• Busy Individuals: People with hectic schedules might respond quickly to such messages without taking the time to verify.
• Parents with Children Away from Home: Parents with college-aged children or kids traveling abroad are prime targets because they are more likely to believe their child could be in a difficult situation.

How to Recognize and Prevent These Scams

1. Verify the Source: Before sending money, try to contact your child directly using a known phone number or another communication method. Ask questions that only your child would know the answer to. You can also verify phone number that sent suspicious message via website like Call Insider .

2. Check for Red Flags: Look for inconsistencies in the message, such as unusual language, a sense of urgency, or requests for money to be sent to an unfamiliar account.

3. Educate Yourself and Others: Be aware of these types of scams and talk to your family about them. Knowledge is a powerful tool against fraud.

4. Report Suspicious Messages: If you receive a suspicious message, report it to your mobile carrier, the messaging platform, or local authorities. They can help track and shut down fraudulent accounts.