The “grandchild in trouble” scam

Someone calls or texts pretending to be a grandchild (or a lawyer or police officer for them) who needs money right away for bail, a hospital bill or an accident — and begs you not to tell anyone.

How it works

The caller sounds upset and says “It’s me” so you fill in a name. Some scammers now use AI to copy a real voice from social media videos.
A second person may come on the line as a “lawyer”, “bail officer” or “police officer”.
They ask for cash (sometimes picked up by a courier at your door), gift cards, a wire or crypto, and tell you to keep it secret — often “so Mom and Dad don’t find out”.

Warning signs

Urgent money for bail, a lawyer, a hospital or a car accident
Begging you to keep it secret
Payment by cash courier, gift cards, wire or crypto
A new phone number or a voice that sounds “a little off”

What to do

Hang up and call your grandchild (or their parents) on the number you already have.
Ask a question only the real person would know, or use a family code word.
Never hand cash to a courier or buy gift cards for anyone who calls you.

What it can look like

Grandma it’s me, I got in a car accident and I’m in jail. I need $3,000 for bail today. Please don’t tell Mom. The lawyer said you can pay with gift cards.

Want to know the moment your parent gets one of these?Set up AskFirst for your family