Choose how you will check
Emergency scams rely on fear for someone you care about. Decide in advance that an urgent money request will get a separate check—not an immediate transfer.
- Save the phone numbers you already trust.
- Agree to hang up and call back using those numbers.
- If the first person cannot be reached, decide which other trusted person you will contact.
Make “no judgement” part of the plan
Someone who feels embarrassed may find it harder to ask for help. Agree that anyone can say “I’m unsure” or “I already clicked” without being blamed. This is a suggested family conversation, not a guarantee that a scam will be prevented.
- Try: “Thank you for telling me. Let’s work out the next step together.”
- Do not pressure someone to hand over control of their accounts.
- Keep passwords and financial details out of a shared family worksheet.
Keep the plan close
Use the printable family plan as a reminder. Keep any personal contact list privately, not on this website. If money or information has already been shared, move to the reporting and account-protection steps.
- Have a short practice conversation using a fictional example.
- Review your trusted numbers when they change.
- Know where to find official help and reporting links.
Try one small step
A little practice, no pressure.
Practise this response together: “I care about you. I’m going to call you back on the number I already have.” Then identify the separate contact route you would use.
Sources & review
Source check: October 5, 2026. These are original publisher resources, not endorsements. Device steps are document-verified, not tested on your physical device.
- CAFC — Emergency
- RCMP — Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security | Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- CAFC — What to do if you're a victim of fraud
- CAFC — Report fraud and cybercrime