"Grandma, I'm in trouble" calls
Do not trust the voice. Hang up, then call your family member on a number you already have, or check with another relative.
If this is happening to you right now
- Stop. Do not pay, click, or share any code or password.
- Hang up or stop replying.
- Tell someone you trust. Scammers want it kept secret.
- Look up the real number yourself before calling anyone back.
How this scam works
- A panicked caller says they are your grandchild or relative and need money for bail, a car accident, a hospital or being stuck abroad. Or they pose as a lawyer, police officer or doctor calling for the relative.
- The FTC warns scammers can use AI voice cloning with a short audio clip of a loved one's voice, so it can sound just like them.
- They ask for payment in ways that are hard to trace: wire, gift cards, payment apps, or cash. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection describes a variation where cash is picked up at your home.
- They push you to act fast and to keep it quiet so no one else can spot the lie.
Warning signs
- Urgent request for money from a "family member" you did not expect to hear from.
- Payment by wire, gift card, money order, crypto, payment app or a courier at your door.
- "Don't tell Mom and Dad."
- You cannot reach the real family member.
What to do
- Resist the urge to act immediately, however dramatic the story.
- Call the person using a number you know is theirs. If you cannot reach them, try another family member or their friends (FTC).
- Ask for your family's safe word (see our Family plan). The FBI recommends creating a secret word or phrase with family to verify identity.
- Do not give your address, personal information or cash to anyone who contacts you (NY DOS).
- Do not keep it quiet. Call someone else you trust.
Where to report it
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- National Elder Fraud Hotline (age 60+): 833-372-8311
More: full reporting directory · what to do after you paid · family safety plan
Common questions
Can scammers really copy a grandchild's voice?
The FTC says a scammer could use AI to clone a loved one's voice from a short audio clip, for example one posted online. Do not trust the voice alone.
What is a family safe word?
A secret word or phrase only your family knows, to confirm identity on a suspicious call. The FBI (IC3 PSA I-120324-PSA, Dec 3, 2024) recommends creating one.
Sources
Last verified: October 17, 2026. We link to the original public pages. Hotline hours and agency advice can change; check the linked page.
- Scammers use AI to enhance their family emergency schemes (FTC Consumer Alert; Mar 20, 2023)
- Have I told you lately that I love you, and how to avoid scams? (FTC Consumer Alert; Feb 13, 2023)
- Consumer Alert: Grandparent scam tips (NY Dept of State, Division of Consumer Protection; undated page)
- Criminals Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Financial Fraud (I-120324-PSA) (FBI IC3; Dec 3, 2024)
- Elder Fraud tri-fold (2025 data) (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3); 2026)
- What To Know Before You Wire Money (FTC; undated page)