Grandparents Scam

— A growing scam targeting older Iowans has prompted a warning from Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and the Department of Public Safety. Known as the “grandparent scam,” the con preys on grandparents’ love for their grandchildren.

In these schemes, scammers pose as a distressed grandchild, claiming they’ve been in an accident, jailed or hospitalized. The caller then pressures the grandparent to send money, often urgently. In some cases, scammers even send couriers to the victim’s home to collect cash.

“This is a heartless crime,” said Bird. “Manipulating someone’s love for their grandchild shows just how low scammers will go to steal from you. Always double-check before sending money over the phone and call law enforcement if you suspect a scam.”

Scammers often use personal details about their targets’ grandchildren, which they gather from social media accounts. To make the story more convincing, they may involve another scammer posing as a lawyer, doctor or police officer.

Attorney General Bird and the Department of Public Safety shared these tips to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Hang up and verify. Call your grandchild or another family member using a verified number to confirm the story.
2. Ask specific questions. Ask questions only your grandchild would know to verify their identity.
3. Resist pressure. Scammers rely on fear and urgency—take your time and don’t act hastily.
4. Don’t send money. Never send cash, wire money, or give prepaid card information.
5. Report suspicious calls. Contact local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Officials say scammers often target multiple victims within a community, making it essential to report these incidents. Sharing information could help others avoid falling into the same trap.