It could be a scammer, even if the voice sounds right. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says not to trust the voice on the line. Hang up, then call your relative on a phone number you know is theirs.12
In this scam, the caller poses as a grandchild or another family member who is in trouble and needs money. Some callers pose as someone acting for your relative, such as a lawyer, a police officer, a doctor or a bail bondsman.14 Some use artificial intelligence (AI) to copy a voice. With a short audio clip, maybe from something posted online, and a voice-cloning program, a scammer could call you and sound just like your family member.1
Grandma, it’s me. I’m in trouble. I wrecked the car and I’m in jail. I need bail money right now. Please don’t tell Mom and Dad.
How to tell
- It is urgent, and only you can help. The caller is counting on you to pay without stopping to check whether there is really an emergency.1
- You are told to keep it secret. They do not want you talking to other family members and friends and realizing it is a scam.1
- A second person joins in. A fake lawyer, police officer or doctor makes the story sound more convincing.1
- They know things about you. They may know your name, where you live, and other details found on social media.1
- The payment is hard to get back. They ask for a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, a payment app, or gift cards with the numbers read out.1
- Someone will come to your home for the money. The FBI has warned that criminals send couriers, and in some cases ride share drivers, to pick up bail money in person.4
- The caller ID looks familiar. Scammers may use technology to make a call appear to come from a trusted number.4
What to do
- Resist the pressure to send money right away. Hang up, or tell the person you will call them right back.1
- Call or message your relative on a phone number you know is right. Ask if they are really in trouble.1
- If you cannot reach them, call someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if the caller said to keep it a secret. A trusted person can help you figure out whether the story is true.1
- If you do not feel comfortable hanging up, ask a question only the real person would know the answer to, like “What kind of dog do you have?”1
- Set up a secret word or phrase with your family now, so you can check who is calling next time.3
If you already clicked or paid
The sooner you act, the better, no matter how you paid.1 Use the step that matches how you sent the money5:
- Wire transfer through a company like Western Union or MoneyGram: report it to the wire transfer company immediately. Tell them a scammer tricked you into sending money. Ask for a refund.
- Gift card: contact the gift card issuer immediately, using the number on the back of the card. Ask for a refund. Keep the card and the receipt.
- Payment app like Venmo, Cash App or PayPal: report it to the payment app immediately. Ask them to reverse the payment and refund your money.
- Zelle or a bank transfer: report it to your bank or credit union immediately. Ask them to reverse the payment and refund your money.
- Cryptocurrency: contact the cryptocurrency exchange or ATM operator immediately. Tell them it was a fraudulent transaction. Ask them to reverse it and refund your money.
The FTC notes that cryptocurrency payments can be hard to get back.5
Where to report it
- The FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and your state attorney general.1
- The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If you can, include the caller’s name and phone number, the date, amount and type of payment, and how you were told to pay.3
- Your local FBI field office, if you were a victim of a grandparent scheme.4