Scams · Action Guide

Set Up a Family Scam Verification Rule

Short answer · G001

Use one family rule: unexpected requests for money or urgent help are never acted on immediately. Stop, then verify using a phone number your family already knows.

Create one simple rule for unexpected requests for money or urgent help.

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This page is meant to help you finish one useful task, not just read about it.

Agree that unexpected requests for money are never acted on immediately.

Hang up or stop messaging.

Call the family member using a number you already know is correct.

If you cannot reach them, check with another trusted family member — even if the caller said to keep it secret.

Done?

If you completed the steps above, this task can be checked off. Your family may still have other digital-safety gaps.

Purchase needed? No. This action is designed to be completed without buying a product.

Why this guidance appears

Sources & review

Action ID: G001
Primary source family: FTC
Last reviewed: September 22, 2026

Next Time Home converts official guidance into a practical order of operations for an adult child helping a parent. The source organization does not endorse Next Time Home.

See our Sources & Methodology →

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