Grandparent Scam

How to Recognize It and Protect Yourself

Imagine receiving a phone call from someone who sounds upset.

They claim to be your grandchild or another loved one and say they’ve been in an accident, arrested, or stranded and need money immediately. They may even ask you not to tell anyone.

This is known as the Grandparent Scam, and it’s one of the most common scams targeting older adults. These scammers rely on fear and urgency to convince people to send money before they have time to verify the story.

How the Scam Works

The caller often pretends to be a grandchild, family member, attorney, or law enforcement officer. They may know personal details they’ve gathered online, making the story seem believable.

Their goal is simple: get you to send money as quickly as possible. They may ask for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps because these methods are difficult to recover once the money has been sent.

Warning Signs

Watch for these common red flags:

• The caller says it’s an emergency and you need to act immediately.
• They ask you to keep the situation a secret.
• They pressure you to send money before speaking with anyone else.
• They request payment using gift cards, wire transfers, or other unusual methods.

If something feels off, trust your instincts.

How to Protect Yourself

The best defense is to slow down.

Before sending money, hang up and contact your loved one using a phone number you already know. If you can’t reach them, call another family member to confirm the story.

Remember, legitimate emergencies can be verified. Scammers don’t want you to ask questions because they know the truth will end the conversation.

MidSouth Is Here to Help

At MidSouth, we’re committed to helping our members stay informed and protected from fraud.

If you ever receive a call, text, or email asking you to send money or share personal information, don’t feel like you have to make a decision alone. Contact us first. We’re happy to help you determine whether something seems legitimate before you take action.

A few extra minutes to pause and verify could save you from becoming the next victim of a scam.