The Grandparent Scam – How to Protect Yourself

The grandparent scam uses fear and urgency to trick seniors into sending money. Awareness helps families respond safely.

The grandparent scam relies on fear and urgency. A caller pretends to be a grandchild, police officer, lawyer or other person dealing with an emergency and pressures the senior to send money before checking the story.

How the Scam Often Starts

A caller may say, “Grandma” or “Grandpa” and ask whether the senior knows who is calling. If the senior guesses a grandchild's name, the scammer now has the identity they need to continue the story. The caller may claim there has been an accident, arrest or emergency in another city or country.

Scammers can use information from social media and other public sources to make their story sound convincing. Calls are often made at times when the victim may feel rushed or disoriented.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do not volunteer a name. Ask the caller to identify themselves.
• Ask questions only the real family member should know.
• Ask for details and listen for inconsistencies.
• Hang up and call the grandchild or their parents using a phone number you already have.
• Never send money simply because a caller says the situation is urgent.
• Do not provide credit-card or banking information to an unexpected caller.
• Do not give out your home address or allow a stranger to collect cash.

If you believe you have been a victim, contact police, your financial institution and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre as soon as possible.