Updated 20 October 2026

Our family’s scam rules

Keep this sheet near the phone. We can always stop, check and ask for help. Nobody gets in trouble for telling us about a worrying call.

1. We never pay by gift card, crypto or wire when someone contacts us and asks for money.
2. Hang up and check. Call the number on the card or the official website. Never use a link or callback number from the message.
3. Keep codes and passwords private. Real banks, the IRS, Social Security and Medicare never need you to share a password or one-time code with an unexpected caller.
4. Slow down. Scammers rush us. A threat, a familiar voice or caller ID is not proof. Take time to check.
5. Tell a family member before sending money. No urgent caller gets to make us keep a payment secret.

Our family code word is ________________

Choose it together in private. Ask the caller to say it; never give it away. Still hang up and call your relative on a saved number.

Our trusted numbers

1. Name and number: __________________________________

2. Name and number: __________________________________

3. Name and number: __________________________________

Fill in by hand. Keep inside the home. Do not share a photo of the completed sheet.

Sources: FTC: phone scams · FBI: AI fraud and family verification.