Grandparent Impersonation Scams: How to Spot and Stop Them Before It’s Too Late
It’s a phone call that can send chills down any grandparent’s spine. A panicked voice—one that sounds uncannily like a beloved grandchild—pleads for help. Maybe they’ve been in an accident, maybe they’re in jail, or perhaps they’re stuck in a foreign country. They need money, fast, and they beg you not to tell anyone, especially not their parents.
This is not a rare family emergency. It’s a calculated fraud, part of a growing trend known as grandparent impersonation scams. And unfortunately, it’s targeting some of the most compassionate people in our society: older adults who would do anything to help a loved one in need.
How the Scam Works
The scam often begins with a phone call, but it can also come through text messages, emails, or even social media. The caller typically says something like, “Grandma, it’s me. Don’t you recognize my voice?”—prompting the grandparent to respond with a name, unintentionally helping the scammer complete the illusion.
The caller may claim they’ve been in an accident, arrested, or robbed, and they need money wired or sent through gift cards or payment apps to resolve the situation. They often add urgency: “Please don’t tell my parents,” they might say. “I’ll explain everything later.” This is deliberate. Scammers know that if you reach out to other family members, the fraud will be uncovered.
Why It Works
This scam preys on emotion. In a moment of panic, our instincts take over. Grandparents—who are often less familiar with the signs of modern fraud and may not want to question a distressed grandchild—are particularly vulnerable. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this scam has led to millions in losses, and the number of reported incidents continues to rise.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
The most effective defense is prevention. That starts with having a conversation today—before the scammer calls. One of the smartest things a family can do is create a simple code word or phrase. This could be a childhood nickname, the name of a favorite pet, or a phrase only the family would know. If you get a distress call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, ask for the code word. If they hesitate, hang up and call the actual person or their parent directly.
It’s also crucial to slow the conversation down. Scammers push urgency to prevent logical thinking. If you’re ever unsure, take a moment, breathe, and verify the information. Never send money, gift cards, or bank details without confirming the person’s identity with another family member.
And remember: no legitimate emergency involves secrecy. If someone asks you not to tell anyone else, that’s a red flag. Real emergencies can be confirmed by contacting hospitals, police departments, or the family directly. Don’t rely on caller ID—scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it appear they’re calling from a familiar area code or even a relative’s number.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you suspect you’ve been contacted by a scammer—or worse, if you’ve already sent money—report it immediately. Call your bank or card issuer and file a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Inform your local police department as well, especially if you’ve provided personal information.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of minimizing the damage.
Grandparent scams are cruel, but they are preventable. Talk to your loved ones, share this information, and be prepared. It’s not paranoia—it’s protection.