Playing on people’s emotions by targeting personal relationships and posing as someone they care about is a starting point for many fraud schemes. 

The grandparent scam is becoming a more damaging version of imposter scams with advanced technology. Thieves can capture a voice recording and then generate an imitation version of your voices that can be used to impersonate you.

Scammers who gain access to consumers' personal information – by mining social media or purchasing data from cyber thieves – can create storylines to prey on the fears of grandparents. The scammers call and impersonate a grandchild – or another close relative – in a crisis situation, asking for immediate financial assistance. Sometimes these callers “spoof” the caller ID to make an incoming call appear to be coming from a trusted source.

Fraudsters may call and pretend that they are a family member in immediate jeopardy — for example, that they have been arrested or are dangerously ill — and urgently needs money. Fraudsters frequently try to isolate their victims by concocting some reason the victim cannot consult with friends, family or law enforcement, such as saying the case is under a “gag order.″

Often the imposter claims to have been in an accident or arrested. The scammer may ask the grandparent “please don’t let mom and dad know,” and may hand the phone over to someone posing as a lawyer seeking immediate payment.

Unfortunately, bad actors can now use artificial intelligence technology, commonly known as AI, and a short audio or video clip to "clone" a loved one's voice, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

Several variations of the grandparent scam have surfaced over the years. A U.S. Postal Inspection Service webpage about grandparent scams includes videos of victims sharing their stories to help raise awareness of this criminal tactic.

Be Vigilant About Scam Calls

Always use caution if you are being pressured for information or to send money quickly. Scammers often try to bully victims into transferring money through a mobile payment app, by wiring money, or by purchasing gift cards or money orders. Some may even request to meet to receive money in person. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it immediately to local law enforcement.

To ease your mind, you can also call or text your family members directly to make sure they’re not in trouble.

How to avoid grandparent scams: 
“Don’t answer any emails or phone calls from unknown persons,” advises Michael Bruemmer, vice president of global data breach and consumer protection at Experian. “All they need is less than a 10-second voiceprint.”

Choose a “safe word” or “password” to share with a grandparent, family member or loved one and say that word when you call in an emergency situation so they know it’s you.
If you get a call or text from someone claiming to be a loved one but using an unfamiliar number, call or text the usual number that you use to reach that person to confirm they called.
Confirm emergency financial requests with other family members. Don’t fall prey to a scammer who tells you to keep their initial call or text a secret. 

More Tips to Help You Avoid Being Scammed

One of the best deterrents against scam artists is awareness. Check out FCC consumer guides on spoofed caller ID and illegal robocalls, with additional tips and web resources for call-blocking apps and services.

You can also check out consumer awareness articles about scams targeting older Americans on the Better Business Bureau website, or find out about scams near where you live using the AARP Fraud Watch Network Scam-Tracking Map.

File a Complaint

You can file complaints with the FCC about unwanted calls and spoofing. You can also find information on imposter scams and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

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