Mayfield Learning
Staying safe

How to set up a family code word for scams

You will learn how a simple family code word can stop a fake phone scam.

3 min read Always free

Some scams call and pretend to be a loved one in trouble. They sound scared and ask for money fast. A family code word stops this cold.

The idea is simple. You all agree on one secret word. If a real emergency call comes, they say the word. No word, no trust.

Pick a word that is easy to remember but not easy to guess. Not a pet's name. Something only your family would know.

Share it only with close family, in person if you can. Then if a scary call comes, you ask for the word. A scammer will not know it.

Try this
  1. Pick one secret word your family will remember.
  2. Choose something hard for strangers to guess.
  3. Share it only with close family, in person.
  4. Agree to ask for it during any emergency call.
  5. If the caller cannot say it, hang up and check directly.
A message you can copy

I want to set up a family code word to protect against fake emergency scam calls. Can you help me think of how to choose a good one and explain it to my family?

Paste it into ChatGPT, then change the words in brackets to fit you. It opens in a new tab, so you will not lose this page.

Buddy, your friendly guide
Buddy says

If an urgent call cannot give your code word, hang up and call your loved one directly.

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