The family emergency scam: what to do when a loved one calls for help
It's often called the grandparent scam, but it reaches anyone with family. Here is how it works, and the habit that stops it.
5 minute read · Updated October 2026
The call comes out of nowhere. Someone you love is in trouble: an accident, an arrest, stuck somewhere far from home. They need money right now, and please, don't tell anyone. It's often called the "grandparent scam," but it reaches parents, brothers, sisters and friends too.
How it usually goes
- A call, text or message from someone who sounds like a family member, often upset and hard to hear.
- A second person takes over: a "lawyer," a "police officer" or a "bail bondsman."
- Money is needed fast, by gift card, wire transfer, crypto, or cash handed to a courier.
- And a plea to keep it secret: from the rest of the family, from the bank, from everyone.
Why it can be so convincing
Scammers often pick up names and details from social media. The FBI warns that criminals can now use AI to create short audio clips in a loved one's voice. And caller ID can be faked to show a number you recognize.
The tell: secrecy and speed
Real emergencies don't come with an instruction to keep quiet. Ask yourself the three questions:
- Did I start this?
- Is it pushing me to hurry, or to keep it quiet?
- Does it want money, codes, or access?
One yes is enough to hang up.
What to do
- Hang up. You don't owe the caller a reason.
- Call your family member yourself, on the number you already have for them. If you can't reach them, call someone who would know where they are.
- Never send cash, gift cards, crypto or a wire transfer to someone you can't verify.
- Never hand cash to a courier who comes to your door.
Set up a family code word tonight
The FBI recommends agreeing on a secret word or phrase with your family to verify who is calling. Choose something that isn't online anywhere. Anyone calling in a crisis has to say it. No word, no money.
If you already sent money
Act fast. Call the company you used to send it (your bank, the gift card company or the wire service) and ask them to stop or reverse it. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report it to the FBI at ic3.gov.
The people who get caught aren't careless. Nobody ever told them how it works. Tell your family.
