Scam or NotScam No. 0112026-10-28
Is this text a scam?
SCAM
?+1 (202) 555-0142
Text Message · Today 9:41
Grandma it's me. I'm in jail across the country and I need your help. Please send money right now. I'll explain later.
Recreated from the grandparent scam example in Source 1 (AARP Fraud Watch Network): a grandchild saying he is in jail across the country, needs help, and needs money sent immediately. Source 1 describes this as a phone call; the text version here is an illustration.
3 red flags
- RED FLAG 1Out of the blueA message you did not expect is the first warning sign.
Source: “Ultimately, we arrived at three elements common to most scams: unexpected contact, a surge of emotion and a sense of urgency.” link - RED FLAG 2Pulls your heartThe jail story is made to stir a rush of feeling.
Source: “saying he’s in jail across the country and needs your help (prompting a surge of emotion from you: I must help him!)?” link - RED FLAG 3Money right nowPushing you to send money fast is the third big sign.
Source: “Does he say he needs you to send money immediately (creating a sense of urgency)?” link
Safe move
Stop and check
End the chat, take your time, and check the story on your own first.
Source: “Ending the communication and taking time to independently verify details can stop many scams before money is lost.” link
End the chat, take your time, and check the story on your own first.
Source: “Ending the communication and taking time to independently verify details can stop many scams before money is lost.” link
Send this to the one who'd tap it.
Watch the video Play today's round More from Scam or Not