The grandparent scam: how it works and what to do

A call or text says a grandchild is in trouble and needs money now. Here is how the grandparent scam works and what to do instead.

Last updated November 7, 2026

The phone rings. A voice says, "Grandma, it's me." Or a text says, "Grandpa, I got in an accident, please don't tell Mom and Dad." The person needs money right now. This is the grandparent scam, and it works because love moves faster than doubt.

How it usually goes

1. A caller or texter says they are a grandchild, or someone helping one, like a lawyer or a bail bondsman.
2. There is an emergency: an accident, an arrest, trouble in another country.
3. They ask you to keep it secret, "just for now."
4. They ask for money in a way that is hard to undo: gift cards, a wire, cryptocurrency, or cash handed to a courier.

What to do

1. Slow down. Say, "I am going to call you right back."
2. Hang up. Call your grandchild on the number you already have, or call their parent.
3. Ask a question only the real person would know. Better, agree on a family word ahead of time and ask for it. Pick a word that is not on social media.
4. Do not send money until you have talked to the real person, even if you are told it is urgent.
5. Tell your family. Even if you did nothing, they can warn the others.

If you already sent money

Call your bank or the payment company right away and ask them to stop the payment. Then follow what to do if you have been scammed. Acting within the first hour matters.

For the family

Set up the family word at the next dinner or phone call. It takes one minute. PonchoGuard has a place to keep it, and a button that sends your parent's question to the whole family, so no one has to decide alone. A check is a second opinion, and Looks OK is never a promise.