When a relative's voice is a copy

The call usually comes from an unknown number, or a hacked account you recognise. The voice is upset and the line is often bad, which hides small mistakes. Someone else may take the phone and claim to be a doctor, a police officer or a lender.

The goal is always money, fast, through a transfer to an account you have never used. They will ask you to stay on the line so you cannot call anyone.

End the call and ring your relative on the number you already have saved. If you cannot reach them, call another family member who is likely to be with them. A real emergency will still be real ten minutes later.