Grandparent Scam
Grandma is in trouble — send money!
Scammers pretend to be a grandchild or family member in an emergency. They claim to have been arrested, hospitalized, or stranded and need money sent quickly.
What to Watch For
- Family member calls or texts asking for money but won't answer regular questions
- Insistence on sending money via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
- Asks you not to tell other family members ("this is between us")
- Different phone number than the person normally uses
Examples
""Hi Grandma! It's me, Tommy. I got into trouble at college and need $500 sent right away through Walmart gift cards. Please don't tell anyone — they will kick me out!""
Why it works: Uses emotional manipulation (family member in distress), urgency ("right away"), and secrecy ("don't tell anyone") to prevent verification.
What to Do
Call your family member directly on their regular phone number. If they can't answer, call another family member to verify. Never send money through gift cards or wire transfers at a relative's request without confirming first.