Protect Yourself from Grandparent Scams: What Every Senior Should Know

How the Grandparent Scam Works

1. The Unexpected Call or Message

   • It usually starts with an unexpected phone call, text, or even an email. The caller often opens with something vague like, “Hi Grandma, do you know who this is?” By asking you to guess, they try to get you to say a grandchild’s name, which they then use to pretend they’re that person.

2. The Emergency Situation

   • Once the scammer has established their fake identity, they create a sense of urgency. They might say, “I’m in a terrible accident and need money for medical bills,” or, “I’m in jail and need bail money.” This fake emergency is designed to make you act quickly, without taking the time to verify their story.

3. The Plea for Secrecy

   • Scammers often add an emotional twist by asking you to keep this a secret. They may say, “Please don’t tell my parents; they’d be so disappointed,” or “I don’t want to worry anyone else.” This request for secrecy is a major red flag, as it prevents you from checking with other family members who could confirm or deny the story.

4. The Urgent Request for Money

   • After laying out the story, the scammer will urgently ask for money, usually through an untraceable method like a wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, or even cash. In some cases, they may send a “courier” to your door to pick up the funds. Once money is sent in these ways, it’s almost impossible to recover.

A Real-Life Example

One grandmother shared her story: she received a call from someone claiming to be her grandson, saying he was in a car accident and needed money for medical treatment. The “grandson” provided specific details about family events, making his story sound convincing. The grandmother, feeling anxious and wanting to help, quickly sent the money through a wire transfer. Later, when she mentioned it to her family, she discovered her real grandson was perfectly fine and had never called.

How to Protect Yourself from Grandparent Scams

Here are a few steps you can take to protect yourself and stay alert to this kind of scam:

• Verify the Caller’s Identity

  • If someone calls claiming to be your grandchild in distress, ask questions that only your real grandchild would know, like the name of a family pet, a recent family event, or a favorite shared memory. Don’t give them any names or hints they could use to build their story.

• Stay Calm and Resist Pressure

  • Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency to keep you from thinking clearly. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that it’s okay to pause and verify the story before you act.

• Reach Out to Other Family Members

  • Before sending any money, call other relatives or family friends who might know your grandchild’s whereabouts. A simple call to your grandchild’s parents can help confirm or dismiss the story right away.

• Watch for Unusual Payment Requests

  • Be wary if someone asks you to pay with wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or cash. These are often used in scams because they’re difficult to trace or recover. If you receive such a request, this is a major red flag.
  • Report Suspicious Calls or Messages
    • If you suspect you’ve been contacted by a scammer, report the incident to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting helps authorities track and combat these scams, protecting others in the process.

Conclusion: Staying Safe and Secure

Grandparent scams are heartbreaking because they exploit the love and concern that grandparents feel for their families. By being informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from these deceitful tactics. If you ever receive a call that feels urgent and pushes you to send money without verifying the situation, take a moment to pause. Reach out to someone you trust, and remember that real emergencies don’t require secrecy or rush payments.

When it comes to protecting yourself, a moment of caution is worth much more than any amount of money. Share these tips with friends and family so they, too, can stay safe from grandparent scams.