Impersonation Scams
Grandparent Scam
Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild in trouble — car accident, jail, hospital — urgently needing money and secrecy.
Reported Losses
$1.9 billion lost by adults 60+ to fraud (2024)
Primary Targets
Grandparents, elderly adults
Last Updated
2026-01-06
Also Known As
Family Emergency Scam
How Scammers Contact You
How This Scam Works
A scammer calls posing as your grandchild in crisis:
**The call:** "Grandma? It's me... (waits for you to say a name)... I'm in trouble. I was in a car accident / got arrested / I'm in the hospital. I need money right away. Please don't tell Mom and Dad — they'll be so mad."
**The handoff:** A "lawyer," "police officer," or "doctor" gets on the phone to add legitimacy. They provide instructions for sending money — usually cash, wire transfer, or gift cards.
**The pickup:** They may send a "courier" to your home to collect cash, or have you wire money or buy gift cards.
**Why it works:** - Grandparents want to help their grandchildren - The story is emotionally compelling - The secrecy prevents verification with other family - Older victims may not recognize voice differences - AI voice cloning is making this scam even more convincing
Red Flags to Watch For
- ⚠️Call from unknown number claiming to be grandchild
- ⚠️Caller asks you to say their name rather than identifying themselves
- ⚠️Urgency — "I need money NOW"
- ⚠️Secrecy — "Don't tell Mom and Dad"
- ⚠️Request for cash, wire transfer, or gift cards
- ⚠️Courier coming to pick up cash
- ⚠️Story keeps changing or doesn't quite make sense
📝 Real Victim Account
"My 'granddaughter' called crying, saying she'd been in a car accident and hit a pregnant woman. A 'lawyer' got on and said she'd be charged with DUI if I didn't pay $8,000 for bail. He sent someone to my house to pick up cash. I gave him everything I had — $7,500. Then I called my real granddaughter. She was at work, perfectly fine."
— FBI IC3 Elder Fraud Report
How to Protect Yourself
- 1Create a family code word for emergencies
- 2Ask questions only the real person would know
- 3Say "Let me call you right back" and call their known number
- 4Don't rely on caller ID — it can be spoofed
- 5Verify with other family members before sending money
- 6Be skeptical of any request for secrecy
- 7Warn elderly family members about this scam
🆘 What to Do If You're a Victim
- 1Stop all contact with the scammer
- 2Contact your actual grandchild or their parents
- 3If you sent a wire, contact the money transfer company immediately
- 4If gift cards, report to the retailer
- 5File a police report
- 6Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- 7Don't feel ashamed — these scammers are professionals
🔗 Related Scams
📚 Sources & References
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