Fraud Involving Appeals for Help from Supposed Relatives
This is a common scam that requires vigilance. If you receive a call or message from someone claiming to be a relative in distress who urgently needs financial help, be cautious and verify the information.
Before transferring money, make sure it really is your relative and not a fraudster trying to deceive you. Call your relative on the telephone number you already know and ask about the circumstances. If possible, also contact other family members or friends to confirm the information.
Fraudsters may use information found on social networks or other public sources to convince you that they really are your relative. They may know a name, workplace and other details that sound credible. However, this could simply be false information used to commit fraud.
Stay alert and do not rush into transferring money. If you doubt whether the call is genuine, always verify the information and make sure your relative really needs help. Do not transfer money to strangers or people whose identity has not been verified.
It is important to protect your finances and avoid becoming a victim of fraud. If you discover that you have been scammed, immediately inform the police or other law enforcement authorities to help prevent further criminal activity.
