A safe word for grandparents: stopping the “grandchild in trouble” call
Updated October 14, 2026 · 5 min read
The “grandchild in trouble” call is one of the most common scams aimed at grandparents. A safe word turns a terrifying call into a simple check: the real grandchild can say it, and a scammer can’t.
How it works for grandparents
- Agree the word with each grandchild, in person or on a call you start.
- If a “grandchild” calls asking for money, ask: “What’s our family word?”
- If they can’t say it, or get upset, hang up.
- Call your grandchild or their parents on the number you already have.
Let the grandchildren help choose it
Younger grandchildren often love picking a word, and they’re more likely to remember it. Older ones can pick a phrase. Make it a family game, and explain that grown-ups use it too.
Teach the call-back rule
Whatever the caller says, the next step is to hang up and phone back on a saved number. Scammers rely on you staying on the line. A real emergency will still be there in two minutes.
If your grandchild really calls from a new number
Sometimes it’s genuine: a lost phone, a friend’s phone. Countersign’s registered letter lets them tell the family in advance, and you can always ask for the safe word or call back to check.
Frequently asked questions
What should a grandparent say to a caller claiming to be a grandchild?
Ask for the family safe word, and if they can’t say it, hang up and call the grandchild or their parents on a saved number.
Can grandchildren pick the safe word?
Yes. Letting them help makes them more likely to remember and use it.