Grandparent scams typically involve a scammer posing as a grandchild or another relative in distress, often claiming they're in urgent need of money due to an emergency like an accident or legal trouble. The scammer relies on the victim's emotions, exploiting their desire to help and protect their loved ones. They may ask for money to be sent through wire transfers, gift cards, or other untraceable methods, making it difficult for victims to recover their funds once they realize they've been deceived

• Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming the situation requires immediate action and funds.
• Emotional Manipulation: They may use emotional tactics like pretending to cry or sound distressed to manipulate victims.
• Lack of Specific Information: Scammers may be vague about details such as the grandchild's name or specific circumstances, relying on the victim to fill in the blanks.
• Requests for Secrecy: They often instruct victims not to tell other family members or authorities, citing reasons like legal issues or family conflict.
• Unusual Payment Methods: Scammers prefer untraceable payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, cash, or courier pickups.
• Inconsistencies in Story: The story may change or contain inconsistencies if questioned, revealing the scammer's lack of genuine knowledge about the family.
• Pressure to Act Quickly: Victims may be pressured to act fast, with the scammer discouraging them from seeking advice or verification from others.

• Stay calm and avoid acting impulsively, especially when the caller claims there's an urgent need for money.
• Verify the situation with other family members or directly contact your grandchild or relative through known contact information.
• Be skeptical of requests for secrecy or instructions not to tell anyone else about the situation.
• Verify the caller's identity by asking personal questions that only your grandchild or relative would know.
• Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone, especially if you're unsure of the caller's identity.
• Establish a code word or phrase with family members that only you and they know.