TL;DR: People searching for lost relatives are emotionally invested and eager to pay. Use established, reputable genealogy services and archives, and be cautious of any newly contacted 'relative' who asks for money before meeting in person.
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People searching for lost relatives are emotionally invested and eager to pay.
Common Tactics Used
Fake genealogy 'researchers' charge for records that are freely available elsewhere, and scammers posing as newly found relatives build trust before asking for money.
How to Protect Against It
Use established, reputable genealogy services and archives, and be cautious of any newly contacted 'relative' who asks for money before meeting in person.
What Family and Friends Can Do
Sudden secrecy about money, unusual withdrawals, or a new online relationship that stays undisclosed are all worth a calm, judgment-free conversation. The earlier a scam is caught, the more can usually be recovered.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading Scams Targeting Graduate School Applicants.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see Scams Targeting Grieving Families (Death Notices).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they specifically targeted?
People searching for lost relatives are emotionally invested and eager to pay.
What tactics do scammers use?
Fake genealogy 'researchers' charge for records that are freely available elsewhere, and scammers posing as newly found relatives build trust before asking for money.
How can they protect themselves?
Use established, reputable genealogy services and archives, and be cautious of any newly contacted 'relative' who asks for money before meeting in person.
What should family or friends watch for?
Sudden secrecy about money or new online relationships, unusual withdrawals or wire transfers, and reluctance to discuss a new "opportunity" or contact in detail are all worth a gentle, non-judgmental conversation.
What should I do if I think this has already happened?
Stop all contact and payments immediately, report it to the appropriate authority, and contact the bank or payment provider involved to see what can be recovered.