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Grandparent & emergency scams

A caller or texter pretends to be a relative in trouble - "Mum, I lost my phone, this is my new number" or a grandchild who caused an accident - and urgently needs money or bail. They exploit love and panic to bypass your judgement.

Warning signs

  • A message from an "unknown number" claiming to be your child/grandchild.
  • Immediate request for money kept secret from the rest of the family.
  • A new phone number and a reason they cannot talk or video-call.

Example

Hi mum, I lost my phone - this is my new number. I am in trouble and need money urgently, please don't tell anyone. Can you send the money to this account?

Made-up example - not a real message.

How to protect yourself

  1. 01Call the relative back on their known, saved number before doing anything.
  2. 02Agree a family "safe word" for genuine emergencies.
  3. 03Never transfer money or hand cash to a courier on a single phone request.

Already caught out?

  1. 01If money was sent, call your bank at once to try to stop the transfer.
  2. 02Report to the police; these cases are organised and worth reporting.

Sources

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