Relationships and Family
Grandparent Scam
Grandparent Scam explained in plain English: what to watch for, what to do, and how to practice safely.
Example message
Grandpa, I had an accident. Please send bail money and do not tell anyone.
What it is
Grandparent Scam is a relationships and family scheme where an ordinary message, call, email, or chat is shaped into an urgent request. It is designed to make you act before checking the source.
How it works
The scam usually starts with a believable prompt such as: “Grandpa, I had an accident. Please send bail money and do not tell anyone.” From there, the person is pushed toward a link, payment, code, document, or conversation before they can verify the request independently.
Red flags
- Rapid emotional trust
- Urgent money request
- Secrecy or request not to call
- Avoids normal verification
What to do
- Do not use the link, phone number, or payment instruction from the message.
- Verify through another family contact and refuse secrecy.
- If you entered information or sent money, contact your bank or account provider immediately and save screenshots.
If it already happened
- Stop communicating with the sender.
- Do not send more money or codes.
- Contact the real company, bank, platform, or agency through an official channel.
- Save the message, number, email, and screenshots.
Prevention tips
- Save official websites and app links instead of trusting message links.
- Pause when a request adds urgency, secrecy, or an unusual payment step.
- Verify through another family contact and refuse secrecy.
- Practice the related eSafe Academy training before a real message arrives.
Related scam guides
Practice safely
Try the matching training scenario
Every guide ends with practice. Use the eSafe Academy training flow to rehearse the safe response before a real message arrives.