The scam artist calls pretending to be a law official or a loved one (often a grandchild). If posing as a law official, they claim your loved one is in an emergency and a fine or bail money needs to be paid immediately. If posing as a grandchild, they say they are in trouble and need money right away, but they want to keep it a secret so they won’t get in trouble with their parents.
Verify the story by contacting family directly before sending money. Set up a safe word that only you and your family know.