Grandparent Scam
A caller pretends to be a grandchild — or an attorney, bail bondsman, or police officer acting on the grandchild's behalf — claiming the grandchild was arrested, injured, or is stranded abroad. The victim is urged to send cash or gift cards immediately and to keep it secret from other family members.
Warning Signs
- You receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be your grandchild who "sounds different" due to a cold, injury, or poor connection.
- A second person (posing as a lawyer, police officer, or embassy official) takes over the call and gives payment instructions.
- You are pressured to act fast and told NOT to tell other family members.
- Payment is requested in cash delivered to a courier, gift cards, or wire transfer.
- The "grandchild" asks you to guess their name rather than identifying themselves.
Immediate Steps
- Hang up and call your grandchild directly using a number you already have saved — not one provided by the caller.
- Contact another family member to verify the story before doing anything else.
- Do not send money, gift cards, or cash to anyone before confirming the emergency through independent contact.
- If someone comes to your door to collect cash, do not hand over any money and call 911.
- Report the incident to the FTC and local police, even if no money was lost.
Report & Get Help
AARP Fraud Helpline (free, confidential): 1-877-908-3360