The phrase in question commonly refers to a type of scam targeting individuals, particularly senior citizens, where perpetrators impersonate someone in need, often a grandchild or other family member, and request immediate financial assistance in the form of digital currency from a major online retailer.
The method leverages emotional manipulation and a sense of urgency to bypass critical thinking. Victims are persuaded that a loved one is in a crisis situation, such as being stranded, injured, or in legal trouble, requiring immediate funds to resolve the issue. The requested funds, in the form of redeemable codes, are then sent to the perpetrator, resulting in financial loss for the victim and no actual benefit for the supposed family member.
