The Grandparent Scam: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Imagine this: your phone rings, and on the other end is someone claiming to be your grandchild. They’re upset, their voice is shaky, and they’re in trouble. Maybe they’ve been arrested or gotten into an accident. They need your help—but don’t want you to tell anyone else.

This is the grandparent scam, a manipulative scheme that specifically targets seniors. Let’s break down how it works, how to protect yourself (or your loved ones), and why it’s crucial to share this information with your family.

The Call

The Redditor was woken up by an early morning phone call. On the line, a shaky, crying voice said, “Hi, how are you?” When they asked who was calling, the person claimed, “It’s your grandson.” Playing along, the Redditor asked what happened. The scammer launched into a dramatic story:

• He’d been in a car accident while texting and driving.
• He was arrested and injured, with a broken nose and stitches on his lip (to explain why his voice sounded unfamiliar).
• He was embarrassed and begged the Redditor not to tell “Grandpa.”

The scammer claimed he needed help fast and directed them to call his “attorney” to sort things out.

When the Redditor called the number, a man answered, pretending to be a lawyer. He immediately offered an explanation for why his phone number didn’t match his supposed law office’s location—likely anticipating skepticism. But the cracks in his story quickly showed.

The Redditor began asking questions:

• “What’s my grandson’s full name?”
• “What’s his mom’s name?”
  The scammer couldn’t answer any of them. Instead, he deflected by accusing the Redditor of not knowing their own grandson’s name. When pressed further, the fake lawyer claimed the grandson was in Reno—a location that didn’t make sense given the family’s actual whereabouts.

Finally, the Redditor threw the scammer off-script, saying, “Okay, tell my grandson I’ll be on the next flight there.” The scammer, realizing they weren’t going to fall for it, ended the call with a dismissive, “Good luck.”

To confirm their suspicions, the Redditor texted their real grandson, who was safe at home, asleep. They also contacted the legitimate law office the scammer had pretended to represent and found that the number didn’t match any of the firm’s contacts.

Satisfied that it was indeed a scam, the Redditor called the scammer back and let them have it—though the scammer simply brushed it off.

How the Scam Works

1. The Call Comes Out of the Blue – Scammers typically call early in the morning or late at night, catching you off guard. The person on the other end claims to be a loved one (like your grandchild) in trouble.

2. The Cry for Help – They’ll share a dramatic story—like getting arrested after a car accident. To explain why their voice sounds different, they’ll often say they’re injured, like a broken nose or lip stitches.

3. The Request for Help – They’ll ask you to call a “lawyer” or another “official” to handle the situation. When you call, the fake lawyer gives a spiel about why their phone number doesn’t match their location or other red flags.

4. The Pressure to Act Quickly and Secretly – They’ll push you to send money immediately, often through wire transfers or prepaid gift cards. And they’ll tell you not to involve anyone else, claiming embarrassment or urgency. This isolates you from verifying the story.

How to Protect Your Parents and Grandparents

It’s crucial to share this scam with older loved ones so they can recognize it and respond appropriately. Here’s how to start the conversation:

1. Explain How the Scam Works – Share stories like this one and emphasize the importance of staying calm and skeptical. Let them know it’s okay to ask questions and verify details.

2. Teach Them to Verify Calls – Encourage them to:

   • Never share names or details with the caller.
   • Contact the supposed loved one directly (not through a number provided by the caller).
   • Double-check stories by involving another trusted family member.

3. Help Them Recognize Red Flags – Talk about common signs, like the request for secrecy or urgency, unfamiliar phone numbers, and requests for wire transfers or gift cards.

4. Be a Point of Contact – Let them know they can always call you if they’re unsure. Having someone to talk to can help them feel more confident in identifying scams.

What to Do If You Get a Call Like This

If you—or someone you know—receives a suspicious call, here’s how to handle it:

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Share Details – Scammers want you to panic and give away information. Instead, ask the caller to identify themselves.

2. Ask Specific Questions – Use questions only your loved one would know the answers to, like, “What’s your middle name?” or “What’s the name of your dog?”

3. Verify the Story – Hang up and call your loved one directly. If they’re unreachable, contact another family member.

The Takeaway: Share This With Your Family

The best defense against scams like these is awareness. Make sure your parents, grandparents, or older friends know what to look for and how to respond. The more people understand these tactics, the harder it will be for scammers to succeed.

So, the next time you hear, “Grandma, I’m in trouble,” you’ll know exactly what to do—and you can help the people you care about be prepared too. Stay calm, stay sharp, and never let a scammer win.