# Grandparent Scams Cost Victims Millions. Here's How to Protect Your Family.
Scammers stole more than $5 million from grandparents last year using an increasingly common scheme. Victims typically receive urgent calls claiming a grandchild needs money for bail, medical emergencies, or travel problems abroad. The scammer creates panic and pressure to send cash quickly, often through wire transfers or gift cards.
The scheme works because it exploits emotion and family loyalty. Scammers research targets online and use details from social media to sound credible. They instruct victims to keep the request secret, preventing family members from questioning the story.
Red flags include callers who ask you not to tell anyone, request unusual payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards, and create time pressure. Legitimate emergencies rarely demand secrecy. Real grandchildren typically contact you directly through known phone numbers or ask parents first.
Protect yourself by establishing a family code word. Agree in advance that any unexpected money request requires verification through a separate phone call to a known number. Never use contact information the caller provides. Call your grandchild directly, or reach out to their parents.
If a caller claims your grandchild was in an accident, hang up and contact police non-emergency lines or the hospital directly. Scammers count on you skipping this step. Take time to verify. Real emergencies survive a five-minute delay while you confirm details.
The FBI and FTC report losses climbing steadily. People over 60 lose more money to fraud per person than any other age group. Those who fell victim once often experience repeat calls from the same criminals or their associates.
If you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and local law enforcement. The more reports filed, the easier authorities can identify criminal rings.