Published: March 18, 2013 (Updated for 2025)
Few things bring more joy to a senior than a phone call from a grandchild. Whether it’s a toddler just learning to talk, a school-age child excited about their favorite music, or a busy young adult, hearing from family is always heartwarming.
But what if that phone call isn’t really from your grandchild?
What Is the Grandma Scam?
The “Grandma Scam” (also known as the “Grandparent Scam”) is a type of fraud where scammers impersonate a grandchild in distress to manipulate grandparents into sending money. These scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using personal details gathered from social media to sound more convincing.
How the Scam Works
The Unexpected Call – You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild.
Emotional Manipulation – The caller, often sounding distressed, may say they’ve been arrested, had an accident, or been robbed.
Request for Money – They urgently ask for money to pay bail, medical expenses, or other fees.
Sense of Urgency – Scammers often insist that you must send money immediately and may tell you not to inform other family members.
Payment Methods – They ask for money through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other hard-to-trace methods.
Real-World Statistics & Reports
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), impostor scams, including the Grandparent Scam, resulted in over $1.2 billion in reported losses in 2023 alone (FTC Consumer Sentinel Report). Seniors are particularly targeted due to their financial stability and trusting nature.
How to Protect Yourself from the Grandma Scam
1. Be Wary of Giving Out Personal Information
Scammers gather details from social media to make their calls more convincing. Avoid posting:
Family members’ names and relationships
Travel plans
Personal updates that could be used against you
Set your social media profiles to private and be cautious about who you accept as friends online.
2. Verify the Caller’s Identity
Before believing the caller, ask questions only your grandchild would know, such as:
“What was the name of your childhood pet?”
“Where did we last go on vacation together?”
“What is your mother’s middle name?”
If they hesitate or answer incorrectly, it’s likely a scam.
3. Never Rush to Send Money
Scammers rely on urgency to prevent you from thinking critically. Always take the following steps before sending any money:
Hang up and call your grandchild directly using their known phone number.
Check with other family members to verify the situation.
Contact local authorities if someone claims to be law enforcement.
4. Recognize Common Payment Red Flags
Legitimate organizations and law enforcement agencies will never ask for payment via:
Gift cards (Amazon, iTunes, etc.)
Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum)
Wire transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram)
If someone requests payment in these forms, it’s almost certainly a scam.
What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of the Grandma Scam:
Do not send money if you haven’t already.
Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Contact your bank immediately if you have transferred funds.
Warn others—scammers thrive on secrecy, so spreading awareness helps protect more people.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, but awareness is your best defense. By staying cautious, verifying information, and refusing to rush into financial decisions, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the Grandma Scam.
For more tips on fraud prevention, visit the National Consumers League Fraud Center or the AARP Fraud Watch Network.