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Action Guide Senior & Family Protection Reviewed Sep 7, 2026 Source: Federal Trade Commission

Grandparent Scam Response

What to do when someone claims to be a grandchild, lawyer, police officer or jail official and demands emergency money.

Start With First Steps Evidence Checklist Reporting Path Open Defentra
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01

Right Summary

The main consumer right or issue explained fast

Grandparent scams exploit family concern and pressure older adults to act before verifying.

02

What This Means

Plain-English breakdown of the problem

The scammer may say the grandchild is in jail, hurt, in an accident or embarrassed and needs secrecy. They may demand cash, wire transfer, gift cards, crypto or courier pickup.

03

What To Save

Evidence that can matter later
Proof Receipts, bills, letters, emails, screenshots, account records, photos, videos or notices.
Timeline Dates, times, names, phone numbers, websites, payment details and support case numbers.
Responses Save every reply from the business, bank, collector, agency, platform or provider.

Save caller number, voicemail, script used, payment demand, courier details, text messages, receipts and any bank or payment confirmations.

04

What To Do First

The first clean action path

Hang up, call the family member directly using a known number and contact another trusted family member.

05

What Not To Do

Common mistakes that can make the issue worse

Do not send money because the caller says it must stay secret. Do not give address information to a courier. Do not buy gift cards.

06

Where To Report Or Escalate

Possible complaint, agency, company or platform paths

FTC ReportFraud.gov, payment provider, bank and local law enforcement if cash pickup or theft occurred.

08

Defentra / Elite Action

How this resource connects to evidence, scanning and action

Use Defentra Voicemail Shield and Evidence Vault to save audio, transcript and payment demands.

Open Defentra Report A Scam Elite Support
09

Source / Review File

Internal quality and trust signals
Resource Type Action Guide
Resource Area Senior & Family Protection
Last Reviewed Sep 7, 2026
Primary Source Federal Trade Commission
10

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Educational Notice

Important limitation

This resource is educational and organizational. It is not legal advice, financial advice or a guarantee of any outcome. Rights, deadlines, reporting paths and requirements can vary by state, account type, product, service, contract, agency rules and case facts.