Emergency Family Scam Plan
A simple plan your family can follow the moment a scam is suspected.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
When a scam is suspected, panic and pressure are the enemy. A short, agreed plan gives everyone clear steps to follow immediately — protecting money and accounts while staying calm.
Step 1: Pause and verify
Stop and check before doing anything the scammer is pushing.
- Stop contact and stop any payment
- Use the family safe word if a 'relative' is involved
- Call the person or organisation back on a known official number
Step 2: Protect money and accounts
Move quickly to limit any damage.
- Call the bank on the official number
- Change passwords from a clean device; enable 2FA
- Disconnect any device a scammer had access to
Step 3: Preserve, report, support
Lock in evidence and get help.
- Screenshot and save everything
- Report to the national fraud service and platform
- Support the person without blame; watch for recovery scams
Frequently asked questions
Where should we keep this plan?
Somewhere everyone can find it quickly — saved in phones, printed by the home phone, or shared in a family chat. The point is that it's accessible the moment pressure and panic hit.