Protect yourself from emergency scams
What is an emergency scam?
Emergency scams, sometimes called grandparent scams, trick you into sending money by claiming that a loved one is in trouble. The scammer will often impersonate a law enforcement official, lawyer, or even their grandchild or child. These scams rely on emotional manipulation and a sense of urgency and danger to get you to send money for things like bail, court fees, hospital bills, or even ransom. They are designed to get you to react without thinking it through.
How emergency/grandparent scams work
A scammer calls about a loved one in danger
The scammer calling may claim to be your family member (like a grandchild) or a police officer or lawyer, claiming that you need to send emergency funds immediately.
You’ll be pressured to pay in secret
The caller will ask for a cash payment by courier, a wire transfer, a deposit in Bitcoin, or your banking information.
The scammer will always play up a need for secrecy, offering reasons like “I’m so embarrassed, you can’t tell my parents,” or “There’s a gag order from the judge.” This is to prevent you from contacting trusted family or friends, who may point out that it could be a scam.
Payment will come with specific instructions
If you need to withdraw a large sum from your credit union or bank branch for the payment, the scammer will tell you to lie about what the funds are for.
They may also set a deadline, saying that they need the funds in the next few hours.
Learn from this Member story about a grandparent scam
A Meridian Credit Union Member, Phillip, became a victim of the very common "Grandparent Scam" after he answered a call from fraudsters. This is Phillip's story, in his and a family Member's words. We sincerely thank them for agreeing to film this video to help raise awareness about the prevalence of scams currently targeting individuals, so that no one else falls victim to them. We’re committed to helping you spot and avoid fraud, while providing you with access to support.
How to protect yourself from emergency scams
- Never send money or reveal your banking account details to anyone you don’t know and trust.
- Stay calm and don’t act right away. Take the time to reach out to someone you trust and be honest with them about the call so they can help you verify what’s going on.
- If a caller claims to be a loved one in danger, try to call them directly on their usual phone number and ask questions that only they know the answers to .Or, call their parents, partner, or siblings – someone who can confirm if they’re really in trouble.
- Don’t provide money for bail without verifying that you are dealing with legitimate legal counsel or law enforcement.
How to report an emergency scam
If you think that an emergency scam has compromised your banking or personal information, report the incident to Meridian by calling 1-866-592-2226.
Helpful resources