Safety & scams
The Grandparent Scam: How to Spot It and Protect Your Family
By Rahul, Macbryte ·
The phone rings. A young voice says, "Grandma, it's me. I'm in trouble — please don't tell Mom." It sounds like your grandchild, they sound scared, and they need money for bail right now. This is the emergency or "grandparent" scam, and it is one of the most common frauds targeting older adults in Ontario.
How the scam works
Fraudsters call pretending to be a grandchild, niece or nephew, a lawyer, or a police officer. The story is always urgent: a car accident, an arrest, a hospital stay. Then come the tell-tale details:
- They need cash for bail or fines, today.
- They say there is a "gag order" and you must not tell anyone — not even your bank teller or the rest of the family.
- A courier will come to your door to pick up the money, or they ask you to send cash by mail or courier, or buy cryptocurrency.
- A second person may come on the line pretending to be a lawyer or officer to make it sound official.
The one fact that stops this scam
Courts in Canada do not collect cash bail by phone or by courier. Bail is handled through the court, and people must appear in person. Any call asking for cash, gift cards or cryptocurrency to get someone out of jail is a scam — every time.
What to do if you get the call
- Hang up. It is not rude. A real family member will understand.
- Call your grandchild directly on the number you already have — or call their parent, or another family member.
- Do not confirm names or details to the caller ("Is that you, Michael?"). Scammers use what you give them.
- If someone is coming to your home to pick up money, or you feel unsafe, call 911 — that is a fraud in progress.
Set up a family code word today
Agree on a simple word or question that only your family knows — the name of a first pet, a favourite cottage. If a "grandchild" calls in a panic, ask for the code word. It takes two minutes to set up and it defeats even the most convincing voice, including voices cloned with AI.
Make yourself a harder target
- Keep family details (names, travel plans, schools) off public social media. Our Facebook guide shows how to share photos with family only.
- Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Real emergencies leave messages.
- Tell your bank you'd like them to call you if you ever make an unusual cash withdrawal.
How to report it
Even if you didn't lose money, reporting helps police warn others. Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222 (non-emergency). If you did send money, call your bank right away as well.
Want help locking down your phone and accounts? Our online safety lessons cover scam calls, texts and emails at your kitchen table.
Common questions
Do courts in Canada ask for bail money by phone?
No. Bail is handled through the court system and people must appear in person. No court sends a courier to collect cash.
What should I do if someone is coming to my home to collect money?
Call 911. A courier coming to collect money for a "relative in trouble" is a fraud in progress.
Where do I report the grandparent scam in Ottawa?
Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and to Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222 (non-emergency), even if you did not lose money.
How can my family protect itself?
Agree on a family code word that only you know, keep family details off public social media, and always call back on a number you already have.
Sources
Written by Rahul, Co-Founder of Macbryte
Rahul teaches seniors and beginners across Ottawa to use their Mac, PC, iPad and iPhone with confidence — one-on-one, at home or online. 60+ students, 700+ hours of lessons.