When “Family” Isn’t Family: Spotting and Stopping Grandparent Scams  

Learn how to spot and stop scammers pretending to be family in urgent situations.

Older woman suspecting she is receiving a fraudulent call.

It often starts with a panicked call or message: “Grandma, I’m in trouble,” or “Don’t tell anyone, Grandpa, but I need your help.” The voice may sound familiar, and the story urgent—but it may not be who they claim to be. These scams exploit trust and emotion, often targeting older adults to pressure quick money transfers before you can verify the story.

How These Scams Work

Scammers often pose as grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or other relatives. They may claim to be:

  • Stranded while traveling
  • Facing legal trouble
  • Injured and in need of medical help
  • Involved in an emergency requiring quick cash

To make their story believable, scammers may: 

  • Gather personal details from social media or public records
  • Spoof caller IDs to appear as someone you know

How to Protect Yourself

  1. Slow Down

Scammers rely on panic. Before acting, take a deep breath before acting.

  1. Confirm the Story

Contact the person directly using a known number or check with another trusted family member. Never rely solely on the contact information provided in the suspicious message.

  1. Watch for Warning Signs

Be cautious if the caller:

  • Demands secrecy (“Don’t tell Mom or Dad”)
  • Pressures you to act immediately
  • Asks for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
  1. Protect Your Digital Footprint

Limit what you share online, especially details about:

  • Family members 
  • Travel plans
  • Personal routines

The less scammers know, the harder it is for them to impersonate someone close to you.

  1. Talk About It

Start a conversation with your family. Set a family rule of no one asks for money without a direct phone call and verification. If you keep your family on the same page, it makes it harder for scammers to succeed. 

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

  • Don’t share personal or financial information
  • Save any suspicious messages or call logs
  • Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission

Staying informed is the best defense when it comes to scams. Recognizing the signs and knowing exactly how you should respond protects you and your loved ones. Always be cautious, especially when it comes to those you love most. 

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.