Someone called asking for money. Is this a scam?
Pause the payment and check the caller's story through a known contact.
A money request may be real or fake. A familiar voice, name or number on your screen cannot prove who called.
Pressure, secrecy and demands for gift card codes are warning signs. Do not move money to a 'safe account' at a caller's request.
You can end the call and check. You do not need to prove that the caller used AI.
- Do not pay or share bank details, passwords or sign-in codes during the call.
- Hang up. Use a number you already have, such as the one on your bank card or a prior real bill.
- For a family request, call the person on their saved number. If needed, check with another known family contact.
- Check the amount and reason with the real person or service before you act.
- If you already paid, contact the bank or payment service now. Ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed.
Write one calm sentence to end a money-request call while I check it. Say I will use a number I already have. Do not include any real names, numbers or bank details.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Try: 'I will call back through the number I have on file.'
Sources and more help
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