HIGH RISK
Grandparent Scam
Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild in trouble — car accident, jail, hospital — urgently needing money and secrecy.
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
1How 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
2Warning 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
3Real-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
4How 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
5What 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
Report This Scam
?Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandparent Scam?
Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild in trouble — car accident, jail, hospital — urgently needing money and secrecy. 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 "la...
How common is this type of scam?
Grandparent Scam is classified as a high risk threat. Reported losses: $1.9 billion lost by adults 60+ to fraud (2024). This primarily targets Grandparents, elderly adults.
Can I get my money back?
Recovery depends on how you paid. Credit card payments may be reversed through chargebacks. Wire transfers and cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable. Report immediately to your bank and file complaints with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3 at ic3.gov.
How do I report this?
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. For internet crimes, file with FBI IC3 at ic3.gov. For identity theft, visit identitytheft.gov. Also contact your local police and your bank.
Sources & References
Related Scams
Government Impersonation Scam
Scammers pose as IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or law enforcement to demand immediate payment or personal information.
AI Voice Cloning Scam
Scammers use AI to clone the voice of a family member, then call claiming to be in an emergency and needing money immediately.
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