One of the oldest and most common schemes is a call “on behalf of a relative” or “a law enforcement officer”. It works because it hits the strongest feeling: fear for loved ones.

What it looks like

An older person gets a call saying that her son, granddaughter or brother has been in an accident, detained or taken to hospital. Money is needed to “solve the issue”. Sometimes the voice imitates a relative, sometimes a “policeman” demands that a sum be quickly handed to a courier.

Why it works

  • The person panics and has no time to think.
  • Fraudsters say to act immediately and tell nobody.
  • It is not always possible to quickly reach the relative.

Signs of deception

  1. They demand urgency.
  2. They ask you not to hang up and not to call anyone.
  3. They offer to hand money to a stranger or transfer it to a card.
  4. They do not let you talk to the “victim” himself.

How to protect yourself

  • Agree with your family on a code word known only to your own people.
  • Hang up and call your relative yourself.
  • Do not hand money to strangers.
  • Call 102 if you have doubts.

Talk to your loved ones

Tell older people about this scheme. Remind them: police and doctors do not demand money on the spot or over the phone. A conversation with the family is the most effective protection against such deception.