The Grandparent Phone Scam is one of the most emotionally manipulative frauds currently in Canada. Criminals call seniors pretending to be a grandchild in trouble—often claiming they need bail money, medical help, or emergency travel funds. This scam can evade normal caution due to its emotional appeal. This guide shows you how to spot it, stop it, and report it so you and your loved ones stay safe.
Table of Contents
What is the Grandparent Phone Scam?
This scam involves a caller pretending to be a relative—usually a grandchild—in urgent trouble. The fraudster claims they need money immediately and instructs the senior to keep the situation secret. These calls typically occur late at night or early in the morning to surprise the target.
Who is Being Targeted
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Seniors with grandchildren or younger relatives
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People who may be hard of hearing or easily confused by emotional distress
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Families with public social media profiles that mention names and family details (information scammers can exploit)
How the Scam Works
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The scammer calls and says “Grandma? It’s me.”
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They wait for you to guess a name, then pretend to be that person.
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They claim they are in urgent trouble — legal, medical, or travel-related.
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They demand money via wire transfer, courier, or gift cards.
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They stress secrecy: “Don’t tell mom or dad.”
How to Spot It—Red Flags to Watch For
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The scammer caller uses vague phrases like “It’s me” instead of a name.
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Time-sensitive request for money that must be sent immediately.
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The scammer caller begs you to keep the matter secret.
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The caller requests payment to be made using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
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The caller’s voice is disguised by a poor phone connection or background noise.
What to Do if You Encounter It
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Pause. Don’t respond emotionally — hang up if necessary.
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Verify. Call the grandchild or their parents using a known phone number.
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Refuse unusual payment methods. No legitimate emergency requires payment via gift cards.
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Report the incident immediately.
Reporting the Scam in Canada
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Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501 or Report Online
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RCMP: Contact your local detachment.
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Police Non-Emergency Line: In your municipality.
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Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker:
Prevention Tips to Protect Yourself
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Create a family password to confirm identity during emergencies.
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Keep social media profiles private to limit information scammers can use.
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Remind family members never to request money over the phone without in-person or verified confirmation.
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Share this scam warning with friends, neighbours, and community groups.
Good News Corner – Scam Avoidance Story
Mr. Thompson, a senior in Ontario, got a late-night call from someone claiming to be his grandson needing bail money. Suspicious, he asked the caller for the family password — they hung up immediately. His quick thinking prevented a $5,000 loss.
Trusted Resources & Links
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Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
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RCMP Fraud Prevention: rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: bbb.org/scamtracker
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ScamShield Digest – Phone Scam Prevention Guide (Internal Link)
