TL;DR: A grandparent scam is when a scammer calls an elderly person pretending to be a grandchild in urgent trouble, asking for money to be sent immediately and kept secret. Hang up and call the grandchild directly on a number you already have, or call another family member to verify before sending any money.
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A grandparent scam is when a scammer calls an elderly person pretending to be a grandchild in urgent trouble, asking for money to be sent immediately and kept secret.
How Grandparent Scams Works
The scammer calls claiming to be a grandchild who's been arrested, in an accident, or stranded abroad, often citing a vague reason for why their voice sounds different, and pressures the victim to wire money or buy gift cards immediately, asking them not to tell other family members.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Urgency, a request for secrecy, a request for payment via gift card or wire transfer, and a vague explanation for why the caller's voice sounds off.
How to Protect Yourself
Hang up and call the grandchild directly on a number you already have, or call another family member to verify before sending any money.
If this looks similar to something else you've seen, it's worth reading What Is Juice Jacking? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
This pattern shows up elsewhere too — see What Is Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams? How It Works and How to Protect Yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandparent Scams?
A grandparent scam is when a scammer calls an elderly person pretending to be a grandchild in urgent trouble, asking for money to be sent immediately and kept secret.
How does Grandparent Scams typically work?
The scammer calls claiming to be a grandchild who's been arrested, in an accident, or stranded abroad, often citing a vague reason for why their voice sounds different, and pressures the victim to wire money or buy gift cards immediately, asking them not to tell other family members.
What are the warning signs of Grandparent Scams?
Urgency, a request for secrecy, a request for payment via gift card or wire transfer, and a vague explanation for why the caller's voice sounds off.
How can I protect myself from Grandparent Scams?
Hang up and call the grandchild directly on a number you already have, or call another family member to verify before sending any money.
What should I do if I think I’ve encountered Grandparent Scams?
Stop responding immediately, do not click any links or share information, and report it to the appropriate authority. If money or personal information was already shared, act quickly to secure your accounts and report the incident.