It really sounded like my grandson. How?

Scammers rely on panic, a “bad line” and you filling in the gaps. Some may also use voice-copying tools. That’s why calling back on a number you know is the safest check.

They said the police told them to keep it quiet. Is that real?

No. Real police and lawyers don’t ask grandparents for secret payments in gift cards or cash.

Grandparent and family-emergency scams

What it can look like

Chat message · example, not real

From: Unknown number

Grandma it’s me. I lost my phone, this is a friend’s.

I’m in trouble, I had a car accident and the police are here. I need $2,000 for bail today.

Please don’t tell Mom and Dad, they’ll be so angry. Can you get gift cards or send it by Zelle?

A made-up example. New number, an emergency, a request for secrecy, and payment by gift card or payment app: all four are warning signs.

Red flags

It’s a new number, or the voice sounds a bit off (“I have a cold”, “bad line”).
It’s an emergency: an accident, an arrest, a hospital, being stuck abroad.
They ask you to keep it secret from the rest of the family.
Someone else takes over: a “lawyer”, “police officer” or “bail agent”.
They want gift cards, a wire, cash by courier, crypto or a payment app, today.

What to do

Stop. Say “I’ll call you right back.” A real family member will understand.
Call the person on the number you already have for them. Or call their parent, partner or a sibling.
Ask a question only the real person would know, or use your family code word.
Never send money, gift cards or cash by courier until you’ve reached them yourself.

If you already paid, clicked or shared a code

Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. Act quickly, one step at a time.

Sent money by bank transfer or Zelle? Call your bank right away using the number on your card. Sometimes payments can be stopped if you’re quick.
Paid with gift cards? Call the gift card company on the number on the back of the card. Keep the cards and receipts.
Gave cash to a courier? Call your local police.
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and ic3.gov. Expect follow-up calls offering to “recover” your money: those are scams too.
Tell your family. You did nothing shameful. These scams are run by professionals.

How Gmork Scam Guard helps

Gmork Scam Guard watches the chats you have open on your computer, in Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp Web and Google Voice, and the email you have open. When a message asks for urgent money and secrecy, it suggests calling the person on a number you already know. It can’t hear phone calls, and it can miss messages, so the call-back rule is the real protection.

See what Gmork Scam Guard warns about and what it keeps private.

Questions people ask

It really sounded like my grandson. How?: Scammers rely on panic, a “bad line” and you filling in the gaps. Some may also use voice-copying tools. That’s why calling back on a number you know is the safest check.
They said the police told them to keep it quiet. Is that real?: No. Real police and lawyers don’t ask grandparents for secret payments in gift cards or cash.

Where to report and get help (U.S.)

Reporting helps stop scammers, even if your money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · 1-877-382-4357 · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report any scam, online or by phone. You’ll get next steps.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost.
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · 877-908-3360 · aarp.org helpline
Free. Trained volunteers listen and help with next steps. You don’t need to be an AARP member. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
National Elder Fraud Hotline (U.S. Department of Justice) · 1-833-372-8311 · ic3.gov resources
For people 60 and older, or someone helping them. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.