Suspected Spam
- Allison R. Miller, CFP®, AIF®
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
VOLUME 18 | ISSUE 2
Your phone rings from an unknown number and your brain does that split‑second math: ignore it, or risk missing something important.
You pick up anyway — you’re polite and sometimes it really is a doctor’s office calling from a strange extension.
Before you can even say hello, a shaky voice says, “Grandma? It’s me. I—I’m in trouble.” There’s crying, a rushed explanation, and then the hook: an accident, a lawyer, bail money, and one helpful request — “Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.”
This is a classic ‘family emergency’ or ‘grandparent’ scam, and it has gotten an upgrade. With today’s tools, fraudsters can sound far more convincing than the old days of obvious scripts and bad acting.
Most scams used to have a tell. Bad grammar. Weird email addresses. A ‘Nigerian prince’ vibe that practically announced itself. In 2026, many scams are… annoyingly better.
Artificial intelligence has made it easier for criminals to create believable messages, realistic emails, and even voice-cloned phone calls that mimic someone you trust. This isn’t meant to make anyone paranoid — but it is a reminder that a few simple habits can dramatically reduce risk.
What’s changed: scams have gotten personal
Modern scams often aim for urgency and emotion first, logic second.
‘Family emergency’ calls, impersonations of institutions, and highly polished phishing attempts can be convincing — especially when they’re designed to make you act quickly. The goal isn’t to fool your technology – it’s to rush your judgment.
Common red flags (that still hold up)
Be extra cautious when you notice:
· Urgency and secrecy (“Don’t tell anyone.” “Act now.”).
· A sudden change in payment method (wire, gift cards, crypto, “new accounts”).
· Requests for codes or login information (including multi-factor authentication codes).
· A new person suddenly “helping” or pressuring you during financial conversations.
The pause button is your superpower
A simple rule: when you feel rushed, slow down. If a message demands immediate action, take that as a signal to verify independently — using a trusted phone number or a known website, not a link or number provided in the message.
Practical Takeaways (the 60-second anti-scam checklist) · Treat “urgent money movement” as a yellow light. Slow down. · Verify independently: hang up and call back using a number you already trust. · Never share passwords or one-time authentication codes. · Assume caller ID and email display names can be spoofed. · If something feels off, pause — urgency is the scammer’s best tool. |
A final thought
Scams don’t require a bad decision — just a fast one. A little healthy skepticism and a short verification routine can go a long way toward keeping your money (and your blood pressure) where you’d like them.