Help a Parent Check Suspicious Requests Without Taking Over

Ask about the situation, not their competence

Start with the request they received: who contacted them, what was asked and whether anything was shared. Focus on the suspicious request rather than treating normal online activity as a sign of vulnerability.

Sources: FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money; FTC: How to recognize and avoid phishing scams

Agree on a permission-based plan

Ask whether they want a second opinion or help contacting the provider. A shared phrase can support an agreed family check, but it is not proof that every request is safe.

1. Keep trusted numbers where they can find them.
2. Agree that urgency and secrecy are reasons to pause a payment.
3. Practice a callback through a saved number.
4. Decide what help to request if someone has already responded.

Sources: ZoraSafe: Product capabilities and limitations; FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money

Make it safe to tell you

Thank them for raising the concern. Help preserve receipts and contact the relevant provider if needed. Avoid promises about refunds, and watch for follow-up offers of guaranteed recovery.

Sources: FTC: What to do if you were scammed; FTC: Refund and recovery scams