Scam Library

Grandparent and Family Emergency Scams

You receive a distressed call claiming to be a grandchild or other relative who's in trouble — an accident, an arrest, a medical emergency — and needs money wired immediately. They may ask you to keep it secret from other family members 'to avoid embarrassment.'

Warning signs

What to watch for

Caller asks you not to tell other family members
Pressure to act immediately, before you have time to think or verify
Payment requested via wire transfer, gift cards, or a courier picking up cash
A vague or evasive answer when you ask a question only the real person would know

Stay safe

How to verify

Hang up and call the family member directly using a number you already have, not one given by the caller
Call another family member to check the story before sending any money

Already sent money or shared a password?

Contact your bank using the number on the back of your card, or the official number on your statement — not any number from the suspicious message.

Not sure if something you received matches this pattern?

Check a Message