'Relative in trouble' and cloned-voice calls

A caller who sounds like a family member says they are in trouble and need money at once.

How it works

You get a call or message, often late or at a stressful time, from someone claiming to be a child, grandchild or friend. They say they have had an accident, been arrested or are stranded.
The voice may sound right: fraudsters can copy a voice from a few seconds of audio posted online, or simply rely on panic and a bad line.
They insist on secrecy and ask for an urgent transfer, gift cards or cash handed to a courier.

Warning signs

An emergency that requires money immediately and secrecy.
Requests for gift cards, crypto, or a courier collecting cash.
Calls from an unknown number saying 'my phone is broken'.
Any attempt to stop you checking with another family member.

What to do

Hang up and call the person on the number you already have. Ask another relative.
Agree a family code word that only real family members know.
Do not send money until you have spoken to the real person.

A made-up example of what you might hear

'Mum, it is me. I have had an accident and the police want a payment right now. Please do not tell Dad. I will explain later. Send it to this account.'

If you already paid or shared a code

Call your bank or card issuer straight away and ask them to block the card, account or payment. Use the number on the card or the official website.
Change passwords for any account that may be affected, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-step verification.
Report it to the authorities (see the list below). Keep screenshots, phone numbers, account details, transaction IDs and times.

Where to report

Author and editorial reviewer: Prashant Nandkishor Maheshwari, 2026-10-18. Education only. Rules and reporting channels differ by country.