Imagine getting a frantic phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild. They sound panicked, maybe even crying. They tell you they’ve been in a terrible car accident, arrested, and need bail money immediately. A supposed lawyer then gets on the line, confirming the story and urging you not to tell anyone—there’s a gag order in place.
The panic sets in. You want to help. You don’t stop to question whether this call is real.
Sadly, this is exactly how a massive scam operation tricked hundreds of elderly victims into handing over more than $21 million across 40 U.S. states. This “grandparent scam” played on fear and urgency, leading many retirees to lose their life savings before realizing the truth.
Federal prosecutors have now charged over two dozen people in connection with the scam, which ran from 2021 to 2024. Here’s what happened—and how you can protect yourself or a loved one from falling victim to similar fraud.
How the Grandparent Scam Worked
This scheme wasn’t just a few isolated incidents. It was a well-organized, transnational operation based in Canada, with call centers in and around Montreal. According to the indictment, the scammers worked together to deceive elderly victims into believing their loved ones were in danger.
Here’s how they did it:
1. Impersonating Grandchildren and Lawyers
The scammers would call victims, often pretending to be a grandchild in distress. They would claim to have been arrested after a car accident and needed bail money. In other cases, another scammer would pose as a lawyer representing the relative, further pressuring the victim.
2. Spoofing Phone Numbers
The scammers manipulated caller ID so that it appeared the call was coming from within the U.S., making the deception even more believable.
3. Sending Fake Bail Bondsmen to Collect Money
Victims were convinced to hand over cash in person. A member of the scam operation, posing as a bail bondsman, would come directly to the victim’s home to collect the money.
4. Repeatedly Requesting More Money
Many victims were scammed multiple times, being told that the bail amount had increased or additional legal fees were required. The scammers even referred to those who gave large amounts as “whales,” showing just how deliberately they targeted their victims.
5. Laundering the Money Through Crypto
Once they had the cash, the scammers quickly transferred the money to Canada, often using cryptocurrency to hide the transactions and make it harder to trace.
How Authorities Caught the Scammers
This was a sophisticated operation, but it wasn’t invincible. Investigators, including the IRS, Homeland Security, and Canadian law enforcement, worked together to track the calls and money transfers.
When police raided several call centers in Canada, they caught many scammers in the act—actively talking to elderly victims over the phone.
In total, 25 people were charged in the U.S. for their role in the scheme, ranging in age from 27 to 45. Two men accused of running the fake call centers, Gareth West (also known as “Buddy” or “Muscles”) and Jimmy Ylimaki (“Coop”), remain at large.
If convicted, those involved could face up to 20 years in prison, while those accused of money laundering could face up to 40 years.
Why Seniors Are Targeted—and How to Stay Safe
Crimes like these are on the rise, with scammers increasingly targeting elderly people. According to an FBI report from April 2024, there were over 101,000 elder fraud complaints, with reported losses totaling $3.4 billion. However, experts believe the real number is much higher, since many victims don’t report the crime out of shame or embarrassment.
But here’s the good news: there are ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams.
1. Be Skeptical of Urgent, Emotional Calls
Scammers want you to act fast so you don’t have time to think. If you get a call like this, take a deep breath and pause before reacting.
2. Verify the Story Before Sending Money
If someone claims to be a loved one in trouble, call them directly at a number you know. If you can’t reach them, contact another family member. Never rely on the number provided by the caller—scammers can manipulate caller ID.
3. Be Wary of Requests for Cash or Cryptocurrency
Legitimate legal authorities never send bail bondsmen to collect cash at your home or ask for payments in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
4. Never Share Personal Information
Scammers often try to get more information from you during the call. If someone calls claiming to be a family member and says, “Grandma, do you know who this is?”—don’t answer with a name. Instead, make them identify themselves.
5. Set Up a Family Code Word
Create a simple, private code word that only you and your close family members know. If a real emergency happens, they can use the code word to prove their identity. If a caller can’t provide it, you’ll know it’s a scam.
6. Spread Awareness
Talk to friends and family—especially older relatives—about these scams. Many people don’t realize how common they are until they’ve been targeted.
7. Report Suspicious Calls
If you receive a scam call, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), local law enforcement, or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov). Reporting these scams can help stop criminals from targeting more people.
Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Safe
The grandparent scam is cruel—it preys on love and fear, manipulating caring grandparents into giving away their hard-earned savings. But with awareness and the right precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling into the same trap.
If you ever receive a suspicious call, trust your instincts. Take your time, ask questions, and verify before acting. Scammers rely on panic and secrecy—don’t give them the opportunity to take advantage of you.
Stay informed, stay cautious, and always look out for one another.
