It’s a scary situation! Someone you know is in a jam! They’re in jail, lost their passport, their car has broken down; the list of possible emergencies is long and creative.
Here are some of the clues that this is a scam:
- You don’t know the person contacting you. They’ll pretend to be a law enforcement official, a friend of your friend or relative, a “Good Samaritan, or even your friend or relative themselves.”
- They need Gift Cards to get out of trouble. What police fine must be paid in Walmart or Amazon cards?
- They need it NOW and will press you to comply.
What to do:
- Call the person in danger directly. If they can’t be reached, call the person closest to them to verify the situation.
- Call the establishment directly and substantiate the circumstances.
- Don’t be aftraid to call local law enforcement and ask for their help.