What is a grandparent scam?

In an era where scams are becoming increasingly common, many scammers target vulnerable populations that they believe will be susceptible to their tactics. One such scam is the grandparent scam—a scam that specifically targets grandparents by pretending to be a distressed grandchild in need of assistance. While digital and cellphone scams are a source of anxiety for many people who use technology, learning how to stay vigilant and recognize fraudulent behavior can help you avoid being taken advantage of.

Understanding the grandparent scam

At its core, the grandparent scam is a form of fraud where the scammer pretends to be a grandchild who’s seeking urgent financial assistance from their grandparent. The scam exploits the grandparent’s love and concern for their grandchild to manipulate them into sending money quickly without verifying the grandchild’s identity.

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Common grandparent scam scenarios

The grandparent phone scam. The scammer calls the grandparent, often late at night, pretending to be a grandchild who has been involved in a car accident or legal trouble and needs money for bail or medical expenses.
The grandparent bail scam. The scammer poses as a lawyer or law enforcement officer, claiming the grandchild is in jail and requires money for bail.
The grandparent car accident scam. The scammer claims that the grandchild caused a car accident and needs immediate funds to cover damages or medical bills.
The cell phone borrowing scam. A variation on the grandparent scam involves the scammer approaching strangers, asking to borrow a cell phone to make an emergency call, and then texting a grandparent for urgent financial help. The grandparent, believing their grandchild is in trouble, transfers money to the scammer.

How to avoid the grandparent scam

Protecting yourself or your loved ones from the grandparent scam requires awareness and a few proactive steps:

Verify the caller’s identity. If you receive a distress call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, ask questions that only your real grandchild could answer. Scammers might not have detailed personal information. However, remain cautious even if the caller provides correct answers, as the scammer may have gathered information from social media.
Resist the urge to act immediately. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency. Take a moment to calm down and think the situation through before acting.
Contact your grandchild or their parents directly. Use a known phone number to contact your relatives before transferring money or giving out any personal information.
Set up a family code word. A code word known only within the family can quickly verify a caller’s identity in emergencies.
Be skeptical of payment requests. Scammers often request money through wire transfers, gift cards, or other untraceable methods. Be wary of any urgent requests for money, especially through these channels.

The grandparent scam is a predatory scheme that takes advantage of a grandparent’s love for their grandchildren. If you suspect that you’re being scammed, implement these tips to protect yourself and your family from financial loss and more.