Grandparent Family Emergency Scam

Telephone Con Artists Target Older Adults, Family Using “Distressed Loved One” Tactic

Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people out of their money. One of the most troubling scams targets older adults. This scam is called the Grandparent Family Emergency Scam, and it preys on grandparents’ love and concern for their grandchildren. In this scam, criminals pretend to be a grandchild in trouble or another family member facing danger. Their goal is to convince grandparents to send money right away.

These scams can cost victims thousands of dollars. It’s important to know the signs of this scam and how to protect yourself.

How the Scam Works

This scam has many versions, but the basic idea is the same. A grandparent gets a phone call from someone claiming to be their grandchild. The caller sounds upset, panicked, or scared. They might say they are calling from a noisy place to make it harder to hear them clearly.

The fake grandchild says they are in trouble while traveling. They might claim to have been arrested, involved in a car accident, or in need of emergency money for car repairs. Then, they ask the grandparent to send money immediately.

The caller often asks for several thousand dollars. They might also say, “Please don’t tell anyone!” They claim to feel embarrassed about their situation or say they don’t want their parents to find out.

Variations of the Scam

• Fake Law Enforcement or Officials: Sometimes, another person joins the call after the “grandchild” has explained the problem. This second scammer pretends to be a police officer, attorney, or doctor. They might say, “I’m here to help your grandchild.” Then they provide instructions on how to send the money.
• Virtual Kidnapping: In this version, scammers call and claim to have kidnapped a loved one. They demand a ransom, saying something bad will happen if the ransom isn’t paid. These calls sound convincing because scammers use information from social media to make their story seem real.
• Social Media Snooping: Scammers often find their targets online. They use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to learn about families, vacations, and personal details. For example, if someone posts about an upcoming trip, a scammer might call a grandparent and pretend the person is in trouble while traveling.

Why It’s Effective

These scams work because they target people’s emotions. When you believe a loved one is in danger, it’s easy to act quickly without thinking things through. The caller often creates a sense of urgency, pushing the victim to send money immediately. They might also pressure the victim to keep the situation a secret, making it harder for the grandparent to verify the story.

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

• Pretending to Be a Family Member: The caller might say, “Hi Grandma, it’s me, your favorite grandchild.” Many grandparents will naturally reply with the name of a grandchild they think it might be, giving the scammer all the information they need to continue the act.
• Creating a Sense of Urgency: The caller will emphasize that the situation is urgent and needs immediate action. They’ll insist there’s no time to verify their story.
• Requesting a Wire Transfer: Scammers often ask for money to be sent through Western Union, MoneyGram, or prepaid gift cards. These payment methods are nearly impossible to trace or recover.
• Using Personal Information: By researching their targets online, scammers can learn names, locations, and even specific details about family relationships to make their stories more convincing.

How to Avoid Being Scammed

You can avoid falling victim to this scam by staying alert and following these tips:

• Be Skeptical of Unexpected Calls: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a grandchild in trouble, stay calm. Even if the caller sounds convincing, take a moment to think.
• Verify the Caller’s Identity: Ask questions only your real grandchild would know, such as the name of a pet or a favorite family memory. You can also call the family member directly on their usual phone number.
• Double-Check Their Story: Contact another family member to confirm the supposed emergency. For example, if the caller claims to be your grandson, call their parents or siblings to check.
• Don’t Rush: Scammers rely on panic and urgency to trick you. Take your time to assess the situation and don’t let the caller pressure you into acting quickly.
• Never Send Money Without Verification: Avoid wiring money or providing your bank account information unless you’ve confirmed that the story is real.

If you think you’re being targeted by a scam, here’s what you should do:

• Hang Up: End the call immediately if something feels off.
• Contact Your Family: Reach out to other family members to confirm the caller’s claims.
• Report the Call: Inform local law enforcement or consumer protection agencies about the suspicious activity.

If you’ve already wired money to a scammer, act quickly:

• Contact the Money Transfer Company: Call MoneyGram at 800-MONEYGRAM (800-666-3947) or Western Union at 800-448-1492. Report the fraud and ask them to reverse the transaction. While recovery isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth trying.
• File a Police Report: Report the scam to your local police department. Provide as much information as possible, including any phone numbers or details about the call.
• Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint with the FTC by visiting their website or calling 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357).
• Report Canadian Scams: If the scam involved a wire transfer to Canada, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 888-495-8501 or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to file a report.

By reporting scams, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re also protecting others. When agencies receive reports, they can investigate and take action against scammers.

For more tips on avoiding scams, check out our other Consumer Alerts, such as “Telemarketing Fraud: Never Give Personal Information to Unknown Callers.”

The Grandparent Family Emergency Scam is one of many tactics scammers use to exploit trust and emotions. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Always take the time to verify claims and never send money without confirming the situation.

Remember: If something feels wrong, it’s okay to hang up and ask questions. Staying vigilant is the best way to outsmart these criminals.

Report Fraud

If you believe you have been the victim a scam, you can contact the Department of Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team at:

Consumer Protection Team
P.O. Box 30213
Lansing, MI 48909
517-335-7599
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll-free: 877-765-8388
Online complaint form