Red Flags Checklist for Family & Friends
This guide can help you identify early warning signs that someone you care about may be in the midst of a scam. While one or two items may not mean fraud, multiple red flags—especially when paired with secrecy or behavioral changes—should prompt concern.
Urgent Red Flags
- Large money transfers—especially retirement accounts or savings
- Sharing personal or sensitive documents (e.g., passport, bank details)
- Taking out loans or lines of credit on behalf of others
- Making plans to meet someone they’ve only met online
- Receiving threats if money is not sent
- Increasing emotional or physical isolation from family and friends
Key Insight:
Isolation + urgency is a dangerous combination. Scammers often escalate pressure once they sense the victim is fully reliant on them for emotional validation or decision-making.
Financial Red Flags
- Secrecy around bank statements or unusual transactions
- Opening new accounts or credit cards without explanation
- Suddenly asking loved ones to send or lend money
- Talking about cryptocurrency, gift cards, wires, or "untraceable" payments
- Mentions of “guaranteed” or “can’t-miss” investment opportunities
Key Insight:
Sudden financial secrecy or embracing risky payment methods is often a sign someone is being coached by a scammer or manipulated through fear and urgency.
Emotional/Behavioral Clues
- Appearing unusually anxious, withdrawn, or overly secretive
- Quickly dismissing legitimate concerns with anger or denial
- Repeating unusual phrases like “they’re helping me” or “it’s confidential”
- Spending excessive time online or on the phone in private
- Becoming defensive when asked about new relationships or financial topics
Key Insight:
Scammers use emotional grooming to create dependency. These behaviors may not be rebellion—they may be signs of someone struggling to reconcile trust and fear.
What to Do If You Spot Red Flags
- Approach the situation calmly and compassionately—avoid accusations
- Ask open-ended questions to invite conversation (e.g., “What’s got you worried lately?”)
- Offer to research together or review something suspicious as a team
- Reassure them that asking questions is about protection, not control
Key Insight:
Don’t aim to “convince” in one conversation. Aim to create a safe space where they feel empowered to open up—now or later.
