Grandparent and Family Emergency Scams
In the grandparent scam, a caller says a relative is in trouble and needs money right away.
The script
- “It is me, I am in trouble.”
- A request to keep it secret.
- Urgent payment by wire, gift card or courier.
How to respond
- Hang up and call the relative directly.
- Ask a question only the real person would know.
- Talk to another family member first.
Protect older relatives
Share the script with them, agree a code word and make sure they know it is fine to hang up.
Key takeaway: Verify before you pay. A genuine relative will understand a call-back.
