Family Emergency Scams: When a “Grandchild” Calls for Help (FTC Video Guide)

The phone rings and a panicked voice says, “Grandpa, it’s me. I’m in trouble and I need money. Please don’t tell anyone.” This is the family emergency scam, and it works because it targets love and fear at the same time. This brief FTC video shows how the call unfolds. Our guide covers how to check the story and protect your family before it happens.

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library

What the video shows

The video opens with a call from someone pretending to be a grandson who has been in an accident abroad and is in jail. He needs bail money right now and begs the grandfather not to tell anyone.

A narrator explains that scammers can pretend to be anyone, play on your fears, and push you to act fast. The advice: check whether the caller really is who they say they are, even if they sound like a loved one.

Key takeaways

• The scammer creates panic: an accident, an arrest, a hospital, or trouble while traveling.
• They ask for secrecy (“don’t tell Mom”) so you can’t check the story.
• They want money quickly, often by wire, gift card, payment app, or cash courier.
• A voice that sounds familiar is not proof. Voices can be imitated, and scammers may use details from social media.
• Checking the story with another family member usually ends the scam in minutes.

What to do if you get this call

1. Stay calm and don’t send money. A real emergency can wait the few minutes it takes to check.
2. Hang up and call your relative directly on the number you already have for them.
3. If you can’t reach them, call another family member (a parent, spouse, or sibling) to confirm where they are.
4. Ask a question only the real person would know, or use your family code word if you have one.
5. Report the call at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Set up a family code word

Pick a word or phrase that only your family knows and that is not posted anywhere online. Tell grandparents, parents, and older kids: if someone calls in an emergency and asks for money, ask for the code word. If they can’t give it, hang up and call the family member directly. It takes two minutes to set up and can stop even the most convincing call.

It also helps to limit what family members share publicly about travel plans, since scammers use those details to make their stories believable.

Common questions

The caller said a lawyer or police officer would call next. Is that normal?

That is a common part of the scam. A second caller posing as an official makes the story feel real. Verify the first story before speaking to anyone else.

What if they really are in trouble?

Your relative’s parents, spouse, or friends will know. Checking takes a few minutes and protects everyone.

Should I tell my relative about the call afterward?

Yes. They may want to make their social media more private, and other family members should know to expect similar calls.

Related guides

• The 15-Minute Family Safety Reset (call-back rule)
• Impersonation Scams: How to Spot Them
• Stop Scam Calls on a Parent’s Phone
• Gift Cards Are Only for Gifts

About this video

This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.

See the FTC’s guidance on imposter and family emergency scams.