Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming someone will be arrested, an account will be frozen or an opportunity will disappear unless payment is made immediately.

Before making an unexpected financial transaction, take time to verify the request. Consider adopting a personal rule to wait 24 hours before sending money to someone you do not know.

2. Establish a family safe word.

Artificial intelligence can be used to imitate familiar voices, making it difficult to determine whether a caller is actually a family member.

Establish a private verification phrase that family members can use during suspicious calls. If someone claims to be a relative in trouble, hang up and contact that person using a number you already know. Do not rely solely on a familiar-sounding voice.

3. Verify callers independently.

Government agencies, banks and legitimate businesses will not demand that you transfer money to cryptocurrency accounts or purchase gift cards to resolve an investigation.

If someone claims to represent an institution, hang up and call the organization using a verified telephone number from an account statement, payment card or official website.

Never provide passwords, verification codes or remote access to your computer to an unexpected caller.

4. Talk to someone you trust.

Scammers often discourage victims from discussing financial transactions with family members or friends.

Before sending money to someone you met online, making an unusual investment or responding to an unexpected emergency, consult a trusted person.

Financial institutions may also offer trusted-contact programs that allow designated individuals to be contacted when suspicious activity is detected.

5. Report suspected fraud immediately.

If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank or financial institution immediately and report the incident to local law enforcement.

For cryptocurrency transactions, preserve receipts, wallet addresses, transaction identification numbers and communications with the suspected scammer.

Even if the money cannot be recovered, reporting the crime may help investigators identify patterns and prevent additional victims.

Where to report suspected fraud

Local law enforcement: Contact the Weston Police Department or your local police agency.

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: Report internet-enabled fraud at ic3.gov.

National Elder Fraud Hotline: Call 833-372-8311 for assistance reporting suspected financial fraud involving adults age 60 and older.

Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline: Call 800-392-0210 to report suspected abuse, neglect or financial exploitation of eligible adults.

Remember: Legitimate investigators will not demand payment to recover money stolen in a scam. Be wary of anyone promising to retrieve lost funds in exchange for an upfront fee.