Romance and grandparent scams

Someone you care about needs money fast - or a new friend is in trouble. How to check.

The grandparent scam

You get a call or text: 'Grandma, it's me - I'm in trouble, please don't tell mom.' They need money for bail, a hospital, or an emergency. It sounds like your grandchild.

It often isn't. Scammers use panic and secrecy to stop you from checking.

What to do:

Hang up and call your grandchild or their parent at a number you already know.
Don't send gift cards, wire money, or transfer crypto based on a surprise call.
A real emergency can survive a two-minute phone call to confirm.

The romance scam

A new online friend is kind, attentive, and quick to call you their love. Then comes a crisis: they need money for a flight, a visa, or a business problem. They always have a reason not to video chat or meet.

Red flags:

Fast, intense affection from someone you've never met
A sudden emergency that needs money
Requests for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
Refusal to video chat

If it's happening

Stop sending money right away.
Tell someone you trust - secrecy is the scammer's shield.
Report it to your bank and the FTC.

Real love and real family don't rush you for money in secret.

How do I verify an urgent call from a relative?

End the call and contact the person through a number you already trust. If the caller claims they cannot speak freely, ask another family member to help confirm the situation. Caller ID and even familiar-sounding voices are not reliable proof of identity.

For an online relationship, treat pressure to send money, move conversations off-platform, or keep secrets as reasons to stop and independently verify the situation.