The Grandparent Phone Scam
There are many types of phone scams, but one of the most heartbreaking is the Grandparent Scam—a scheme that targets elderly individuals and the most vulnerable. This article will explain how the scam works and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
What Is the Grandparent Scam?
Scammers contact their victims by phone or email, pretending to be a relative in distress or a law enforcement officer representing a loved one. They claim they need urgent financial help for:
- Lawyer’s fees
- Hospital bills
- Bail money
One of the most common tactics is for the scammer to pose as a grandchild, claiming they have been arrested while traveling overseas. In a state of panic, the grandparent may rush to send money without verifying the story.
Techniques Used by Scammers
Scammers use social media to gather personal details about their targets, including family names, travel plans, and relationships. This makes their impersonation more convincing.
Common tactics include:
- Creating a sense of urgency – Pressuring the victim to send money immediately.
- Requesting wire transfers – Once money is wired, it is nearly impossible to recover.
- Caller ID spoofing – Scammers manipulate phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from a trusted source.
Only 8% of these scams are reported, often due to embarrassment or the victim believing they genuinely helped their grandchild. Since many of these fraudsters operate outside the U.S., tracking and catching them is extremely difficult.
How to Protect Yourself
If you suspect you have been targeted by the grandparent scam, take these steps:
- Contact local law enforcement – Report the incident to your local police department.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – This helps authorities track scams and warn others.
- Verify the caller’s identity – If someone calls claiming to be a loved one in distress, take a moment to check with other family members before sending any money.
- Ask personal questions – A scammer may struggle to answer questions only your real grandchild would know.
Always be cautious of urgent requests for wire transfers—especially for legal fees or bail money. Scammers thrive on fear and urgency. Stay informed and protect yourself and your loved ones.