Grandparent and emergency scams: how they work and how to spot them

Updated October 2026 · 4 minute read

A panicked call from a 'grandchild' or relative in jail or a hospital who needs bail money now. Scammers now use AI to clone a real voice from social media clips.

How the scam works

Like almost every scam, this one follows a three step script:

The hook. Something believable lands in front of you: a message, a call, an ad or a new "friend".
The pressure. Urgency, fear, excitement or secrecy, so you act before you think or talk to anyone.
The payment. A method that can't be reversed: gift cards, crypto, a Bitcoin ATM, or an e-Transfer to a stranger.

Spot any one of those three steps and you can stop the whole thing.

Red flags to watch for

Begs you not to tell mom or dad
A 'lawyer' or 'officer' takes over the call
Courier coming to pick up cash
Pressure to keep it secret or to act right now.
Any request for gift cards, crypto, a Bitcoin ATM or an e-Transfer to a person's name.

What to do if it happens to you

Hang up and call the person directly on their known number. Set up a family code word that only real family knows.

If you already paid or shared details

Call your bank or card issuer right away and ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
Change any password you entered, and turn on two step verification.
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501) in Canada, or reportfraud.ftc.gov in the US.
File a police report and keep every message, receipt and screenshot.
Watch out for "recovery" offers. Anyone promising to get your money back for a fee is running a second scam.

Related scams

Bank fraud department call: Caller claims to be your bank's fraud team and asks you to move money to a 'safe account'.
Arrest warrant call: Fake police say you'll be arrested unless you pay a fine right now.
Immigration threat: Caller says your immigration status has a problem and demands payment.
Utility disconnection: Fake hydro or gas company threatens to cut power within the hour.
SIN suspended call: Robocall says your SIN is frozen due to criminal activity.
Amazon or Apple charge call: 'Did you authorize a $999 iPhone purchase?' leading to remote access or payment.

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