SCAM AWARENESSGrandparent emergency scams
In a grandparent or family emergency scam, someone calls pretending to be a grandchild, other relative, or someone helping them. They say your loved one is in trouble and needs money right away. The scam works by creating fear and urgency so you act before you can check the story with anyone else.
How this scam works
The call often starts with a crying or upset voice saying, "It's me," and waiting for you to say a name. The caller may claim to be in jail, in a car accident, or stuck in another country. A second person may then come on the line pretending to be a lawyer, police officer, or doctor. Scammers can also use details from social media, and some use AI tools to make a voice sound like your relative.
They ask for money fast, usually by gift cards, wire transfer, payment app, or cryptocurrency. Some ask you to withdraw cash and hand it to a courier who comes to your home, or to mail it. They often beg you not to tell anyone, especially parents, because they are embarrassed.
What it can look like
EXAMPLE · NOT A REAL MESSAGEGrandma, it's me. Please don't be mad. I was in a car accident and I'm being held at the police station. My lawyer says I need $4,000 for bail right away. Please don't tell Mom and Dad. He'll call you back at [number] with instructions.
Warning signs
- A relative calls in a panic saying they are in jail, hurt, or stranded.
- The caller asks you to keep the call secret from other family members.
- A lawyer, officer, or doctor takes over the call to ask for payment.
- You are asked to pay with gift cards, wires, crypto, or cash pickup.
- The voice sounds a little off, and the caller blames a cold or injury.
How to protect yourself
- Hang up and call your relative directly at a number you already have.
- Check with another family member before sending any money.
- Agree on a family code word to confirm real emergencies.
- Ask a personal question only the real person would know.
- Never hand cash to a courier or mail cash to someone you cannot verify.
If you already responded
- Contact your bank, card company, or the payment service you used right away and ask about stopping or reversing the payment.
- If you paid with gift cards, contact the card company and keep the receipts.
- If you handed cash to a courier, contact your local police department.
- Report the scam to the FTC; also report it to the FBI's IC3 if it involved online payments or crypto.
- Do not send more money, even if they call back with a new story.
Get step-by-step recovery help →
Where to report it
- FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money ↗
- Report fraud to the FTC ↗
- File a complaint with the FBI's IC3 ↗
Common questions
How can I tell if my grandchild is really in trouble?
Hang up and call your grandchild at the number you already know. If they do not answer, call another relative. You can also ask a question only your grandchild would know. Real emergencies can wait a few minutes while you verify. Scammers count on you not checking.
Can scammers really copy my grandchild's voice?
Yes. Scammers can use artificial intelligence tools to imitate a person's voice from a short audio clip, such as one posted online. That means a familiar voice alone does not prove a call is real. Always confirm by calling your relative back at a number you know, or use a family code word.
Will a lawyer or police officer call me to collect bail money?
Be very suspicious if someone calling as a lawyer or officer asks for bail or fees by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash courier. Those are common signs of a scam. Hang up, verify the story with your family, and contact the local jail or court yourself using a number you look up.