Grandparent / Family Emergency Scam Call Script
Scammers pose as a distressed grandchild (or a lawyer or officer on their behalf) claiming a family emergency — usually an arrest, accident, or hospital stay — and urgently request cash to 'fix' the situation.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Sanitized example messages
Illustrative, sanitized examples. Personal details are replaced with placeholders such as [phone number] and [fake link].
Gran, it's me — [name]. I am in so much trouble. I was in a car accident and I really need money for bail. Please don't tell Mum and Dad yet. Can you send [amount]?
Hello, I am calling on behalf of your grandson [name]. He has been arrested and needs [amount] for bail tonight. He is embarrassed and asked us to call you directly.
This is [name from law firm]. Your grandchild has been involved in an incident and needs funds wired immediately for legal fees. Time is critical — can you visit the bank now?
Nan, I lost my phone and I am using a friend's. I had an accident abroad and I need you to wire [amount] to [account]. Please hurry, it is an emergency.
What the scammer wants
To extract an emergency cash transfer — often thousands of pounds or dollars — by exploiting a grandparent's love and urgency before they can verify the story with other family members.
Red flags in the message
- Caller asks you to keep it secret from other family members
- Voice 'sounds different' due to stress or a bad connection
- Urgent request for cash, wire transfer, or gift cards
- Third party (lawyer or officer) calls on the relative's behalf
- Instructions to go to the bank alone and lie to the teller
A safe response
Hang up and call your family member directly on their known number, or call another family member to verify. Never act on an emergency money request until you have confirmed it independently.
What not to send
- Cash sent via courier
- Wire transfer or Zelle
- Gift card codes
What to do if you already replied
- Contact your bank immediately to attempt to recall any transfer
- Call the real family member to confirm they are safe
- Report to local police and the FTC / Action Fraud
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot the full message or call details
- Note the sender number, email, or profile
- Save any links (without clicking) and payment details
- Record dates and times