Protecting Loved Ones From Grandparent Scams - Safety Tips & Prevention Strategies

The phone suddenly rings. The person on the other end claims to be a relative, saying that they are their grandchild, who is in urgent trouble. They talk about being in a car accident. Naturally, many grandparents, driven by concern, are quick to respond to the plea for help.

The Grandparent Scam - what is it?

This scenario is known as the "grandparent scam," and it has become increasingly complex, now involving AI and voice cloning technologies. As well as the example above, the ‘grandchild’ might claim to be arrested and in need of bail money, or in a vulnerable situation in a foreign country. Common across these scams is that the caller is in need of money, fast. This is the red flag that should be looked out for, as the pressure to make a quick decision often makes victims overlook things that are suspicious.

The scams have proven lucrative; one notorious group in Canada reportedly managed to gain over $2 million before law enforcement stepped in.

The use of AI adds a layer of realism to these scams. By capturing just a short snippet of a family member's voice, scammers can generate any dialogue they choose, making the call seem real. When a call seems to come from a familiar number, many people will pick it up thinking that they’re safe.

How can you protect yourself? 

Firstly, ask the caller things that only they should know. Basic questions should be able to stump most scammers.

But there is one thing that scammers might not be able to get around: “AI Safewords”. This strategy involves setting up unique words, phrases or security questions known only among close family and friends to confirm identities during calls.

The other way to protect yourself is to tighten the security in your social media accounts- check your privacy settings and lock them down. Even a brief 15-second audio clip of someone’s voice from the internet can be enough for scammers to exploit.

Lastly, always use caution when pressured for quick decisions, especially involving money or personal information. Slow down, verify the facts, and reach out directly to family members to confirm their situation.

How can Truecaller help?

Truecaller offers more than just our renowned Caller ID and spam-blocking features; we provide a fortress against fraud. Our technology helps you identify unknown calls and messages, allowing you to block scam attempts proactively, by both calls and texts. By using Truecaller, you ensure that only verified and legitimate communications reach you.

At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life. Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 383 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.