Scam Alert: The Grandparent Scam

Scams are everywhere, but one particularly cruel trick—the Grandparent Scam—targets our elderly loved ones, exploiting their love and trust. If you’re a grandparent or care for one, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

What Is the Grandparent Scam?

Imagine this: Your phone rings, and a panicked voice says, “Grandma, it’s me—I’m in trouble!” The caller claims to be your grandchild, maybe saying they’ve been arrested or hurt, and begs for money fast—cash, wire transfers, or gift cards. Then comes the chilling line: “Don’t tell anyone.” Why? Scammers know if you check with family, their ruse fails. They push secrecy by leveraging urgency—and often embarrassment—claiming the situation (like a DUI or drug trouble) is too shameful to share. They count on your instinct to protect a loved one, especially if you’re a senior who’d rather fix it quietly than risk family judgment.

How Do They Make It So Convincing?

Scammers are clever. They might:

• Sound Like Your Grandchild: Using voice-altering tech or faking tears, they mimic distress to tug at your heartstrings.
• Know Personal Details: They dig up names, nicknames, or family ties from social media, public records, or data breaches—making it feel legit.
• Create Urgency: That “don’t tell anyone” line, paired with a humiliating story, stops you from verifying, banking on your panic—or pride—to act fast.

Seniors are prime targets because they’re often more trusting, less tech-savvy, and deeply connected to family—qualities scammers exploit without mercy.

Steps to Protect Yourself

If this happens to you or someone you love, here’s what to do:

1. Hang Up Immediately: Don’t engage—scammers thrive on conversation.
2. Verify Directly: Call your grandchild using a known number to check their story.
3. Use a Family Code Word: Set up a secret phrase (e.g., “sunflower”) with grandkids for real emergencies. No code? No trust. Keep it completely secret—don’t store it on phones, computers, or anywhere hackers could access it; share it in person or over a trusted call.
4. Tell Someone You Trust: Share the call with a friend or family member—they can help you think clearly.
5. Report It: Contact local police or the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint, even if no money was lost. Reporting tracks scammers and warns others.
6. Secure Your Phone: Skip unknown calls or use call-blocking tools to filter scams.
7. Lock Down Personal Info: Limit what you share online (like grandkids’ names) and tweak social media privacy settings.
8. Spread Awareness: Tell your church group or neighbors—scammers hate when we talk about them.
9. Check Accounts: If you sent money or shared info, monitor bank accounts and credit reports, and alert your bank ASAP.
10. Save Evidence: Jot down the caller’s number, time, and words for reporting.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about money—it’s about protecting our elderly from fear, heartbreak, and shame. By staying vigilant, reporting scams, and sharing this info, we can shield our families and communities.