Scammers are contacting the families of children who have recently crossed the border into the U.S. When they call, the scammers:   

  • speak Spanish
  • claim to be a charity worker, social worker, or from the government 
  • know details about the children and their location, and indicate that the child is about to be released  
  • ask for money - for travel or processing costs - to be sent through wire transfer, money order, or a debit from your bank account

Here's what you need to know:

  • Never send money to anyone who contacts you and asks for money. That’s a scam.
  • The people in charge of reuniting these children with their families will never ask you for money.

If you’re concerned about an unaccompanied minor, call the people in charge of reuniting families at the U.S. government’s Office of Refugee Resettlement Parent Hotline. The number is 1-800-203-7001.   

And if you get one of these calls asking for money, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-382-4357. Give as much or as little information as you are comfortable with. Any information you give helps investigators build cases against scammers.