Beware of the Grandparent Scam

written by Janis Merrell, Editor of The Good Life | November 1, 2019
Consumer Grandparent Scam

Beware of the Grandparent Scam, in which scam artists pose as your grandchild in trouble.

  • They pretend to be your grandchild calling in the middle of the night;
  • They tell you they are in some sort of trouble;
  • They plead with you to keep it a secret, not to tell their parents;
  • They will often have a second person pose as an official who will validate the claim;
  • They ask you to wire money for “bail” or other problems via Western Union, MoneyGram, or even to mail cash.

What can you do?

  • To avoid falling prey, ask your “grandchild” to prove who they say they are
  • Trust but verify; call the child’s parents
  • Hang up!

If you have a consumer problem or question, contact the Northwestern District Attorney’s Consumer Protection Unit:

Working in cooperation with the office of the Massachusetts Attorney General.