Don’t Fall for the Grandparent Scam

For many people, grandparents are the ones you can always count on to have your back. Unfortunately, scammers know that, too — and they’re increasingly exploiting that trust.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is warning consumers about the increasingly sophisticated “Grandparent Scam,” a type of impersonation scheme in which criminals pose as a grandchild — or other close family member — in urgent need of help. Their goal: to panic older adults into sending money before they have a chance to verify the story.

How the Grandparent Scam Works

These emotionally manipulative schemes often begin with a frantic phone call from a “grandchild” claiming they’ve been in a car accident, been arrested, or are facing a similar emergency. The caller begs for financial help and often insists the grandparent keep the situation a secret, claiming they don’t want their parents to find out. A second caller — often posing as a lawyer, police officer, or court official — may then get on the line to reinforce the story and demand immediate payment. The goal of the fraudsters is to create enough panic that the grandparent in question will act before fully verifying the story.

More sophisticated fraudsters may spoof caller ID so the call appears to come from a trusted number or use AI-powered voice cloning to mimic a loved one’s voice. 

While that may sound like something out of a movie, these schemes have had devastating real-world consequences.

Financial and Fatal Consequences

In July 2026, four people pleaded guilty for their roles in a nationwide grandparent scam that stole approximately $5 million from more than 400 older Americans. Authorities say the group (which included two additional defendants) targeted seniors across the country, convincing many to hand over large sums of cash to couriers posing as legitimate messengers.

The scams have also had fatal consequences. In one widely reported case in Ohio, William J. Brock, an 81-year-old grandfather, shot and killed Lo-Letha Hall, a 61-year-old Uber driver, who had been sent by the scammers to collect a package. Brock, who had figured out he was being scammed, believed Hall was in on the scheme. Investigators later determined Hall had no connection to the fraud and was herself an innocent victim. 

In January, Brock was convicted of murder, felonious assault, and kidnapping. The following month, he was sentenced to 21 years to life in prison.

How To Protect Yourself

While the details of the grandparent scam may change, the goal is always the same: to pressure you into sending money before you’ve had time to think things through. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

Slow Down

Scammers rely on panic and urgency to cloud your judgment. If someone insists you need to send money immediately, pause for a moment before taking any action.

Try to verify the story independently. Hang up and call your grandchild or another trusted family member using a phone number you already have — not one provided by the caller. If you’re unable to reach them, contact another relative who may know where they are.

Be skeptical of requests for secrecy. A common tactic is asking grandparents not to tell anyone because the situation is “embarrassing.” That should be a major red flag, as legitimate emergencies don’t require you to keep them a secret from your family.

Question Unusual Payment Requests

Be especially wary if you’re asked to send cash, purchase gift cards, transfer cryptocurrency, wire money, send via a payment app, or hand money to a courier. Scammers favor these payment methods because they’re difficult, if not impossible, to trace or recover once the money is sent. According to the FCC, “If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately to local law enforcement.” 

Ask a Personal Question

If you believe you’re speaking with a family member, ask something that only they would know. Even if the voice sounds familiar, don’t assume it’s really them.

Have a Family Code Word

Because scammers often gather personal details from social media, they may already know information like your maiden name, the names of your grandchildren, or even your pets. That’s why consumer advocates recommend creating a private family code word that isn’t posted online.

“With my family members, we have a code phrase,” Kenyetta Bagby, manager of the Ohio Office of Consumer Affairs, told NPR. “And that phrase should not be anything that you have listed on your Facebook page or any interaction that you have listed with your family or friends on Facebook or social media.”

Consult With Someone You Trust

Before sending money, discuss the situation with another family member or trusted friend. A second opinion could help you spot warning signs you might miss in the heat of the moment.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you believe you’ve been targeted by a grandparent scam or another impersonation fraud, stop communicating with the caller immediately and contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at (833) 372-8311 from Monday through Friday or submit a complaint through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center Elder Fraud Complaint Center.

Remember: A real emergency will still be an emergency even after you’ve taken a few minutes to verify what’s happening. A scammer, on the other hand, wants you to act before you have the chance to do just that. Don’t play into their hands.

_{Featured Image Credit: © MART PRODUCTION/Pexels.com}