Scam warning
Grandparent Scam
A scammer calls pretending to be your grandchild (or a lawyer or police officer helping them). They say your grandchild was arrested or in an accident and needs money for bail right now, and begs you not to tell the family.
Also called: Family emergency scam, Bail money scam, Grandson in jail scam
The one thing to remember
Hang up and call your grandchild, or their parents, on the number you already have. Real emergencies can wait for a 2-minute check.
How it happens
- The phone rings. A young voice says, “Grandma, it's me,” and they're upset or crying. The voice may even sound right, thanks to computer tricks.
- They say they're in jail, had a car accident, or are stuck in another country.
- A second person comes on the line: a “lawyer”, “public defender” or “officer”.
- They ask for bail money in cash, gift cards, or Bitcoin. Sometimes they send a driver to your house to pick up the cash.
- They beg you: “Please don't tell Mom and Dad.”
Warning signs
- A family member in trouble who needs money right now.
- Being asked to keep it a secret from the rest of the family.
- Someone offering to come to your house to collect cash.
- Payment by cash in the mail, gift cards, or a Bitcoin machine.
- A voice that sounds a bit off, but “they have a cold” or “a broken nose”.
What to do
- Hang up and call your grandchild directly. Then call their parents.
- Ask a question only the real person would know, like the name of a family pet.
- Set up a family code word now, for emergencies.
- Never hand cash to a “courier” or driver who comes to your door.
- If a courier is on the way, call 911.
Last checked: October 31, 2026