Established by a former federal prosecutor · 20+ years prosecutorial experience · $12.5B lost to fraud in 2024 (FTC)
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● HIGH RISK

Grandparent Scam

The phone rings and it is a grandchild in trouble — an accident, an arrest, a hospital — who needs money now and begs you not to tell their parents. The secrecy is the giveaway. AI voice cloning has made the voice convincing; the demand for silence and speed has not changed.

Losses: $1.9 billion lost by adults 60+ to fraud (2024)
Targets: Grandparents, elderly adults
Updated: 2026-01-06
Also known as: Family Emergency Scam · Grandchild in Trouble Scam · Bail Scam
01

How It 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
How Scammers Make Contact
Phone calls
02

Warning Signs & Red Flags

  • 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
03

Real-World Example

"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
04

How to Protect Yourself

  • Create a family code word for emergencies
  • Ask questions only the real person would know
  • Say "Let me call you right back" and call their known number
  • Don't rely on caller ID — it can be spoofed
  • Verify with other family members before sending money
  • Be skeptical of any request for secrecy
  • Warn elderly family members about this scam
05

What To Do If You're a Victim

  1. 1Stop all contact with the scammer
  2. 2Contact your actual grandchild or their parents
  3. 3If you sent a wire, contact the money transfer company immediately
  4. 4If gift cards, report to the retailer
  5. 5File a police report
  6. 6Report to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  7. 7Don't feel ashamed — these scammers are professionals
Report This Scam
FTC Report Fraud FBI IC3 Identity Theft
?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grandparent Scam?

The phone rings and it is a grandchild in trouble — an accident, an arrest, a hospital — who needs money now and begs you not to tell their parents. The secrecy is the giveaway. AI voice cloning has made the voice convincing; the demand for silence and speed has not changed.

What are the warning signs of Grandparent Scam?

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.

How do I protect myself from Grandparent Scam?

Create a family code word for emergencies. Ask questions only the real person would know. Say "Let me call you right back" and call their known number. Don't rely on caller ID — it can be spoofed.

What should I do if I'm a victim of Grandparent Scam?

Stop all contact with the scammer. Contact your actual grandchild or their parents. If you sent a wire, contact the money transfer company immediately. If gift cards, report to the retailer.

How serious is this threat?

We rate this high risk. Reported losses: $1.9 billion lost by adults 60+ to fraud (2024). Most exposed: Grandparents, elderly adults.

Can I get my money back?

Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks, while wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.

How do I report Grandparent Scam?

Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. You should also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
  1. 01FBI: Elder Fraud
  2. 02FTC: Grandparent Scams
Related Scams

Government Impersonation Scam

Someone claims to be the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or the police and demands immediate payment or your personal details — or else. Real agencies do not open with threats, do not take gift cards or crypto, and do not arrest you over the phone. The pressure is the product.

AI Voice Cloning Scam

With a few seconds of audio — often lifted from social media — a scammer can clone a loved one's voice and call you mid-"emergency," needing money immediately. Your ear believes it. Agree on a family code word now, and when the panic call comes, slow down and verify on a number you already trust.

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