How does the grandparent scam work?

A caller says a grandchild or relative is hurt, arrested, or stranded and needs money right away, often asking you to keep it secret. A "lawyer" or "officer" may get on the line.

What should I do if I get a family emergency call?

Hang up and call your family member at the number you already have for them. A family safe word can help you check quickly.

Home › Scam guides › Is that "grandchild in trouble" call a scam?

Is that "grandchild in trouble" call a scam?

Last updated October 30, 2026 · Written by Daniel Morton, Scam, Fraud & Prevention Consultant, Winston-Salem, NC

Short answer: Very likely. If a caller says a grandchild or relative is hurt, arrested, or stranded and needs money right away, hang up and call your family member at the number you already have for them. Families in Winston-Salem and the Triad can also agree on a family "safe word" ahead of time.

How it works

A caller says a grandchild or relative is hurt, arrested, or stranded and needs money right away. Some scammers now use AI to copy a loved one's voice from short clips posted online. A "lawyer" or "officer" may get on the line to make it sound official.

Red flags

Asks you to keep it secret from the rest of the family
A "lawyer" or "officer" may get on the line
Wants cash, gift cards, a wire, or crypto

What to do

Hang up and call your family member at the number you already have for them.
Pick a family "safe word": a word or question only your family knows. If someone calls in an "emergency" and can't give it, hang up and call your relative directly.
Talk it over with someone you trust before sending anything.

If you already responded

It happens to careful people every day. If you sent money, call your bank or card company right away using the number on your card. If you paid with a gift card, keep the card and receipt. Then report it to the NC Department of Justice and the FTC.

Who to call in North Carolina

NC Department of Justice consumer hotline: 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226), or file a consumer complaint
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (free for anyone, member or not): 877-908-3360
Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov

Common questions

How does the grandparent scam work?: A caller says a grandchild or relative is hurt, arrested, or stranded and needs money right away, often asking you to keep it secret. A "lawyer" or "officer" may get on the line.
Can scammers copy a family member's voice?: Yes. Some scammers now use AI to copy a loved one's voice from short clips posted online.
What should I do if I get a family emergency call?: Hang up and call your family member at the number you already have for them. A family safe word can help you check quickly.

Sources

Take your time, and talk it over with someone you trust. There's no shame in being targeted, and reporting helps your neighbors too. This page summarizes the official warnings and news reports linked above. It's general information, not legal or financial advice.

Want an extra layer of protection? Start with the free steps above. If you'd also like to compare paid tools like identity monitoring, call blockers or medical alert devices, see our plain-language protection guide.

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