Grandparent Emergency Scams
A caller pretends to be a grandchild or other family member in an emergency and asks you to send money right away.
How the scam works
The caller says something like “Grandma, it's me” before you have a chance to say a name, hoping you will fill in the blank.
They claim to be in jail, in a car accident, or stuck in another country, and say they need money urgently.
They ask you to keep it secret from other family members and to send money by wire transfer, gift card, or cash courier.
Common warning signs
- The caller asks you to guess who they are rather than identifying themselves.
- You are asked to keep the situation secret from other family members.
- The request involves urgent payment by wire transfer, gift card, or a cash pickup courier.
- The story changes slightly or details do not match what you know about your family member.
What to do
- Hang up and call your family member directly using the number you already have for them.
- Contact another family member to confirm where your loved one actually is.
- Take your time. A real emergency will still be real after you verify it.
What not to do
- Do not send money before confirming the story independently.
- Do not use a phone number the caller gives you to “call them back.”
- Do not keep the situation secret from other family members.
Example message
Unknown
Grandma, it's me. I'm in trouble and I need you to send money before I can explain everything. Please don't tell Mom and Dad yet.
Never call a phone number contained in a suspicious message. Instead, use the official phone number printed on your card, statement, or the organization's official website.
When to contact Senior Signal
If you get an emergency call like this, contact Senior Signal before sending any money. We will help you think through it calmly.