How the ‘grandparent scam’ works and simple steps to avoid losing money

# What the scam looks like

The "grandparent scam" starts with a phone call. The caller asks, "Hi Grandma (or Granddad), do you know who this is?" If the older adult guesses a grandchild's name, the scammer immediately creates a false relationship. The caller then describes a sudden emergency — arrested overseas, a car breakdown, or unpaid rent — and asks for money right away. Sometimes a second caller pretends to be a police officer or lawyer to add urgency and legitimacy.

# How scammers ask for payment

These thieves prefer payment methods that are hard to trace and easy to collect. The story lists these common options:

• Money transfer services: Western Union or MoneyGram.
• Prepaid reloadable cards such as MoneyPak or Green Dot.
• Gift cards (Apple iTunes, Amazon, other retailers).

# Practical verification steps to use immediately

• Pause the call. Scammers pressure people to act immediately. Decline to send money during the call.
• Ask specific questions only the real grandchild would know, such as a family pet's name or where a parent works. If the caller stalls or can't answer, that's a warning.
• Ask for a callback number and say you will call back. Scammers often refuse or give fake numbers. If they do provide a number, verify it independently with other relatives.
• Contact other family members right away to confirm the grandchild's whereabouts and situation.
• Avoid sending money by wire transfer, prepaid card, or gift card. Those methods frequently prevent recovery and are preferred by criminals.

# What to do if money has already been sent

Contact your bank and the payment service immediately. Also report the incident to local police so they can record the crime and potentially warn others. Keep a list of phone numbers for local police and your bank before an emergency occurs.

# Prevention habits to reduce risk

• Keep regular contact with relatives so you know basic travel and living plans.
• Limit how much personal information you post publicly on social media, including details about grandchildren and travel dates.
• Keep a written list of trusted phone numbers for family members and local authorities.

The article references guidance tied to the Ohio Department of Commerce, which focuses on consumer protection and enforcement in several industries. Metro Monthly published the consumer advisory to help older adults in the Youngstown/Warren Mahoning Valley region recognize and avoid this common scam.

# Bottom line

The scam succeeds because it plays on a grandparent's desire to help. A few deliberate verification steps — asking unique questions, promising to call back, contacting family, and refusing high-risk payment methods — prevent most attempts. Report suspicious calls to authorities so they can act and alert others.