Maya plans a short talk with her mother and kids about voice calls.
Ben thinks about the fake school email and the families who might trust it.
Rosa worries about her part-time helper, who could get a text that seems to come from Rosa herself.
Each of them wants a simple rule that works even when the fake is very good.
Read the section for your track first. Each one uses the same habits: a code word, a call back and no rushed payments.
Try the "grandchild in trouble" drill. Sit with older relatives and act out a short urgent call.
Practice the two moves together: ask for the family word, then hang up and call back on a saved number.
The FBI also suggests limiting public photos and voice recordings. Think about clips of your children you share online.
A fake message can look like it comes from your school, with the right logo and clean writing.
If a message asks you or families to pay, log in or share details, check first. Call the office on a number you already know.
Tell families how the school really contacts them, so a strange message stands out.
Picture a text to your staff that seems to come from you, the boss. It asks them to buy gift cards for a client, fast.
Or a supplier says its bank details have changed and payment is due today.
Set a rule: no payment or bank change goes ahead without a call back to a number already on file.
| Statement | True or false? |
|---|---|
| A message with the right logo must come from the school. | ? |
| A business can require a call back before any bank change. | ? |
| "I can't talk right now" is a reason to skip the call back. | ? |
| Practicing a scam call drill can help older relatives stay calm. | ? |
Sources: FBI IC3, Criminals Use Generative AI to Facilitate Financial Fraud (2024)
Tomorrow: a short review of the week.