An Urgent Call From a Grandchild: A Callback Plan
If a grandchild appears to call urgently for money, hang up and call their saved number. You do not need to determine whether the voice was cloned before verifying.
By ZoraSafe · Content reviewed
Do not let the story choose your contact route
The FTC warns that scammers can imitate a loved one’s voice. A claim that the phone broke or that the caller cannot speak freely is not a reason to use only the number they supply.
Sources: FTC: Scammers use AI to enhance family emergency schemes; FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money
Use an agreed fallback
Have an alternative family contact ready. A phrase is useful only if the caller provides it without coaching; do not disclose the answer to help them pass the check.
- Pause any payment or sharing of account details.
- Call the saved number and, if needed, another trusted contact.
- Use the verification plan agreed before the call.
- Contact emergency services if you believe there is an immediate real danger.
Sources: FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money; ZoraSafe: Product capabilities and limitations
If payment happened before the check
Contact the payment provider promptly and keep the messages and transaction details. A convincing voice does not make the person who responded responsible for the scammer’s deception.
Sources: FTC: What to do if you were scammed
Sources and product references
Reviewed 2026-10-08. Source dates and scope matter; a linked source supports the associated guidance, not every claim about every product.