Stop the Grandparent Scam: Protect Your Loved Ones Today!
The grandparent scam preys on your love and concern for your grandchildren, tricking you into sending money to a scammer impersonating a grandchild in distress. These schemes create urgent fake emergencies, aiming to steal your money before you can verify the story. It's a cruel and effective tactic that can result in significant financial loss for unsuspecting seniors.
How This Scam Works
You receive a call, text, or social media message from someone pretending to be your grandchild, often using an unfamiliar number, or claiming their "old phone" is broken.
The "grandchild" claims to be in serious troubleāarrested, in an accident, or needing emergency medical careāand asks for money immediately. They often plead with you not to tell their parents, citing embarrassment or fear.
They direct you to send money via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps, methods that are hard to trace and recover.
If you comply, the money is quickly taken by the scammer, and they may continue to demand more funds or disappear entirely.
Real Example
"An elderly man receives a frantic text message from an unknown number that reads, "Hi Grandpa, it's me! I've lost my phone and am using a friend's. I'm in a huge jam, I need $1,500 right now for an emergency car repair or I'll be stranded far from home. Can you send it via Zelle to this number? Please don't tell Mom, I don't want to worry her." The man, worried, immediately starts to process the payment."
ā ļø Warning Signs
The "grandchild" begs you not to tell their parents or anyone else, creating a sense of secrecy.
The call or message comes from an unknown number or email address, or claims their usual phone is "broken."
They pressure you to act immediately, creating a sense of panic and urgency so you don't have time to think or verify.
They request money via wire transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or cash sent by mail, which are difficult to trace and recover.
The caller's voice doesn't sound quite right, and they may claim to have a cold, bad connection, or other excuse.
They ask questions that imply they are trying to gather information about your grandchild to make their story more convincing, rather than stating facts directly.
What To Do If You Encounter This Scam
Verify Independently: Call your grandchild directly on a known number, or contact their parents or another trusted family member to confirm the story.
Ask Verification Questions: Ask personal questions only your real grandchild would know the answer to (e.g., "What was the name of our family dog?").
Do Not Send Money: Never send money, gift cards, or personal information based on urgent, unverified requests.
Report the Attempt: Report the scam attempt to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, your local police department, and your phone provider.
Already fell for it?
If you've already sent money, immediately contact your bank or the gift card company to report the fraud and attempt to stop the transaction. Gather all details of the communication and transaction, then report it to the police and the FTC. Monitor your financial accounts for any further suspicious activity.
Scamtinel tip
While the grandparent scam often starts with a phone call, scammers may send follow-up texts or emails containing links to fake payment portals or phishing sites. Scamtinel can help you identify and avoid these malicious links before you click.
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Last updated: May 3, 2026 Ā· ā All scam types