How this scam works
You receive a message from an unknown number claiming to be a friend or family member in crisis. They say they've lost their phone and urgently need money sent to an unfamiliar account. The situation feels real because the details seem personal and the tone is panicked.
By the time you realise it's a scam, the money is gone.
Red flags to watch for
- the message comes from an unknown number claiming to be someone you know
- they claim they can only text because their microphone is broken or their phone is damaged
- they ask you to send money urgently to a new or unfamiliar account
- they ask you to keep it quiet or act immediately without verifying
- they refuse to answer a personal question only the real person would know
What to do
- pause before acting, no matter how urgent it feels
- call the person directly on their real, known phone number to verify the situation
- ask a question only the real person would know the answer to
- never transfer money to an account you don't recognise
- if you confirm it's a scam, report the number or profile to the platform or mobile provider
If you've already sent money
Contact our support team straight away via the in-app chat or at support@bloxley.com. Consider filing a police report too.