Compiled By Kendra Williams
Grandparents often find it hard to say no to their grandchildren — something scam artists know all too well. Across the U.S. and Canada, older adults are being targeted in the so-called “grandparent scam,” a fraud that preys on family bonds and fears.
The con usually begins with a phone call. The scammer, posing as a grandchild or relative, claims to be in trouble — arrested, in an accident, or stranded — and urgently needs money. To heighten pressure, they may plead, “Please don’t tell mom and dad,” or hand the phone to someone posing as a lawyer seeking immediate payment.
Authorities say these scams are increasingly sophisticated. Callers may “spoof” the caller ID to make it appear the call is coming from a trusted source. The Federal Trade Commission warns that criminals now use artificial intelligence to clone voices from short audio clips, making it sound as though a loved one is on the line. “Don’t trust the voice,” the agency advises. “Verify the story.”
In March, the Justice Department charged 25 people from Quebec with allegedly running a scheme that defrauded seniors of more than $21 million in Vermont and 40 other states.
The threat extends north of the border as well. In Regina, Saskatchewan, a senior woman recently answered a call from someone asking, “Hi Grandma, do you know who your grandson is?” When she guessed names, the caller abruptly hung up — a tactic believed to be used to collect personal details for future fraud.
Consumer protection agencies urge families to talk openly about these scams and to take preventive steps. Establishing a simple family code word can help confirm an emergency call is real. Seniors are advised never to share personal information or send money before verifying the caller’s identity. Experts also recommend limiting personal details posted on social media, which scammers often mine to build their stories.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has posted videos of victims sharing their experiences, underscoring how convincing these calls can be. As one prevention guide notes, awareness remains the strongest defense: “The more people know, the less likely they are to fall victim.”
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