Recently, one of our customers got a text message that looked harmless. It read: “Hi Gram, it Beau. My phone was stolen at a party and I had to get a new one.”

She does have a grandson named Beau. Like any caring grandmother, she wrote back with concern. She asked if he had reported it to the police and mentioned she had just spoken to his mother. The sender replied that it had just happened and asked her to update her contacts with the new number “so you’ll know it’s me when I text.” She thanked him for telling her.

Luckily, she checked with her family and learned the truth. Beau was fine, and his phone had never been stolen. It was a scam.

Why this trick works

The scammer’s real goal was that contact update. Once a number is saved under a loved one’s name, future texts show up as “Beau” instead of an unknown number. The warning sign disappears, and the victim’s guard goes down with it.

Notice what else happened. In her replies, she confirmed she had a grandson and that she had talked to his mother. Scammers use details like that to sound more believable. She also followed a small instruction, which makes the next, bigger request feel more natural.

That bigger request usually comes later. It might include gift cards, a wire transfer, or money through a payment app, often with a story like, “my bank cards were in the stolen phone, can you help me with a bill?” By then, the message looks like it came from family.

How to protect yourself

1. Never save a new number based on a text alone. Call the number you already have for that person, or check with another family member.
2. Pick a family code word. If someone texts from a “new number,” ask for the word. A scammer is unlikely to know it.
3. Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency and emotion. A real emergency can wait two minutes for a phone call.
4. Be careful what you confirm. Replying with names or family details gives scammers more to work with.
5. Never send gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or money through a payment app to someone based on a text message.

If you get a message like this:

Don’t reply, and don’t save the number. Report the number as spam to your cellular provider and block it.  Warn other family members of the scam attempt as well so they can be aware and protect themselves.

If you have already sent money or shared account information, contact us right away at 866-642-7736 so we can help protect your accounts.