Request for secrecy
You're told not to tell anyone - not family, not your bank, not the police.
Example only - do not act on it
Example only: Don't tell anyone about this - it must stay strictly between us.
Why scammers use this
Secrecy isolates you from people who could spot the scam and talk you out of it.
What to do
- Treat secrecy demands as a red flag.
- Tell someone you trust right away.
- Verify through official channels.
What not to do
- Do not keep financial requests secret.
- Do not act alone under pressure.
- Do not let anyone isolate you from help.
How to verify safely
Hang up and call the person back on their known number, or check with another family member; a familiar voice or face is no longer proof.
Scams where this appears
Related message checks
Related scam-type hubs
Emergency guides
Related terms
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Check a messageFrequently asked questions
Why do scammers demand secrecy?
Because someone you trust would likely recognise the scam. Isolation keeps you under the scammer's control.