Prosecutors: Scammers targeted hundreds by impersonating grandchildren in need
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You’re enjoying a quiet afternoon when the phone rings and an urgent voice claims to be your grandchild in serious trouble.
They plead for immediate help, insisting that only you can save them. Your instinct is to act without hesitation, because family always comes first.
Unfortunately, that trust and love is exactly what a group of criminals is exploiting—costing American seniors millions of dollars.
Federal prosecutors have revealed a large-scale scam that targeted more than 400 grandparents across the United States, stealing over $5 million in total.
Thirteen citizens of the Dominican Republic have been charged with orchestrating the fraud, which relied on impersonating grandchildren in crisis.
Victims were told their loved one had been in a car accident, arrested, or caught in another emergency, and were pressured into handing over cash immediately.
In some cases, the scammers even knew the real name of the grandchild; in others, they simply said, “It’s your oldest grandson,” and waited for the victim to fill in the blanks.
When one attempt worked, the criminals often called again with new fabricated emergencies to demand even more money.
The average victim was 84 years old, with some targeted repeatedly until their savings were drained.
“Many victims not only lost their savings, but their sense of safety, judgment, and trust in the world around them,” said US Attorney Leah Foley. The emotional damage proved just as devastating as the financial loss.
Prosecutors say the group ran organized call centers in the Dominican Republic, hiring English-speaking callers to pose as grandchildren, lawyers, or even police officers.
Also read: Elderly couple scammed out of $33K in roofing fraud—suspects in custody, but money still gone
They also used accomplices in the United States to collect cash directly from victims’ homes, making the scheme even more convincing.
Nine suspects are in custody, while four remain at large in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Those charged face federal conspiracy and money laundering charges, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Authorities warn that this crime wave is part of a wider epidemic targeting older Americans. In March, 25 Canadian suspects were charged with running a nearly identical “grandparent scam” that stole $21 million from US seniors.
“What the accused did in targeting our seniors was calculated, cold-hearted, and cruel,” said Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston field office. “No grandparent should ever have to wonder if the next call they get is a cry for help or a trap.”
Also read: A surge in scam calls has Americans on edge—but the real threat may be harder to detect
Scammers target seniors because they are often trusting, generous, and quick to act when a loved one is in danger. Many are unfamiliar with the latest scam tactics, which makes the deception harder to spot.
But knowledge and preparation can make a difference in stopping these schemes before they succeed. Experts stress that the best defense is to pause, verify, and never send money without confirmation.
Read next: Police warn: Self-checkout scam preying on seniors in San Mateo
Have you or someone you know received one of these calls? How did you respond, and what advice would you share to help others recognize the warning signs? Your experience could be the key to preventing someone else from becoming a victim. Share your story in the comments so we can help protect our community together.
They plead for immediate help, insisting that only you can save them. Your instinct is to act without hesitation, because family always comes first.
Unfortunately, that trust and love is exactly what a group of criminals is exploiting—costing American seniors millions of dollars.
Federal prosecutors have revealed a large-scale scam that targeted more than 400 grandparents across the United States, stealing over $5 million in total.
Thirteen citizens of the Dominican Republic have been charged with orchestrating the fraud, which relied on impersonating grandchildren in crisis.
Victims were told their loved one had been in a car accident, arrested, or caught in another emergency, and were pressured into handing over cash immediately.
In some cases, the scammers even knew the real name of the grandchild; in others, they simply said, “It’s your oldest grandson,” and waited for the victim to fill in the blanks.
Scammers targeted hundreds by impersonating grandchildren in need. Image source: Colton Sturgeon / Unsplash
When one attempt worked, the criminals often called again with new fabricated emergencies to demand even more money.
The average victim was 84 years old, with some targeted repeatedly until their savings were drained.
“Many victims not only lost their savings, but their sense of safety, judgment, and trust in the world around them,” said US Attorney Leah Foley. The emotional damage proved just as devastating as the financial loss.
Prosecutors say the group ran organized call centers in the Dominican Republic, hiring English-speaking callers to pose as grandchildren, lawyers, or even police officers.
Also read: Elderly couple scammed out of $33K in roofing fraud—suspects in custody, but money still gone
They also used accomplices in the United States to collect cash directly from victims’ homes, making the scheme even more convincing.
Nine suspects are in custody, while four remain at large in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Those charged face federal conspiracy and money laundering charges, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Authorities warn that this crime wave is part of a wider epidemic targeting older Americans. In March, 25 Canadian suspects were charged with running a nearly identical “grandparent scam” that stole $21 million from US seniors.
“What the accused did in targeting our seniors was calculated, cold-hearted, and cruel,” said Ted Docks, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston field office. “No grandparent should ever have to wonder if the next call they get is a cry for help or a trap.”
Also read: A surge in scam calls has Americans on edge—but the real threat may be harder to detect
Scammers target seniors because they are often trusting, generous, and quick to act when a loved one is in danger. Many are unfamiliar with the latest scam tactics, which makes the deception harder to spot.
But knowledge and preparation can make a difference in stopping these schemes before they succeed. Experts stress that the best defense is to pause, verify, and never send money without confirmation.
Read next: Police warn: Self-checkout scam preying on seniors in San Mateo
