It’s called affinity fraud because the perpetrator is usually someone in your club, church, social group, or family. In today’s case, however, the scamster only pretended to be a relative.

When Betty answered the phone a man’s voice said, “Hi. This is your favorite nephew and I need help. I have been arrested and need $5,000 in order to get out of jail. I will send a friend by your house to pick up the money. Please help me.”

Well, Betty started asking questions such as, “What is your name?”

“Michael,” the caller replied.

Then she asked, “Who are your parents… what are their names?”

Obviously, Betty wasn’t going to be taken in by this scam and the caller hung up.

Betty was very savvy because she is on the alert for scams, and she knew that her neighbor had been scammed in the very same type of fraud. Unfortunately, the neighbor fell for the pitch and lost her money and so have a lot of other people. Before you jump in to help, make sure your caller really is a relative or friend. Ask tough questions and don’t accept evasive answers.