Holiday Season Scams: How to Protect Your Business and Loved Ones

Scammers are constantly finding new ways to exploit trust, fear, and family bonds. One of the most alarming recent trends is the “Grandma, I’m in Jail” scam , Although this is an older scam, Artificial Intelligence software has made this scam more terrifying. The scam targets seniors using voice-cloning technology and telephone spoofing , making it sound like a grandchild or child is in serious trouble and urgently needs bail money. The spoofing software makes it appear the call is coming from the loved ones phone. At Number Crunching, Inc, we help families stay informed and protect seniors from evolving financial scams. How the Scam Works The scam typically begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a loved one in distress. The caller’s voice may be cloned from: Voicemails Social media videos or posts Other stolen recordings Some scams involve a second caller pretending to be a lawyer or law enforcement officer to make the story seem credible. The scammer pressures the victim to send money immediately, often through wire transfers or cash pickups from the home. The scammers use fear, urgency, and threats to make the scam sound plausible and to frighten seniors into acting quickly without the assistance of law enforcement. New Variations: Kidnapping Threats The latest version of this scam is even more frightening. Scammers claim the child or grandchild has been kidnapped and will be harmed or killed unless a ransom is paid. They may threaten to take the victim out of state or even across the border. Using a cloned voice, they make the child sound like they are pleading for help, while insisting the family avoid contacting authorities. This high-pressure tactic can cause panic, making victims feel they must act immediately. Why Seniors Are Targeted Elderly individuals are frequently targeted because they: Have strong emotional ties to family members Often trust phone calls or emails without verification May be less familiar with modern scams or voice-cloning technology Have large liquid assets readily available How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones Families can take several precautions to prevent falling victim: Verify the Caller – Always call the loved one directly using a known number. Consult Other Family Members – Check with relatives before sending money. Involve Law Enforcement – Real bail situations involve verified legal channels. Educate Seniors – Explain voice cloning, phishing, and other scams. Use Banking Alerts – Monitor accounts and verify unusual requests before sending funds. 6. Have a password or pass phrase with family members Recognizing Red Flags Be alert for these warning signs: Urgent demands for money with threats of harm Instructions not to contact police or family Payment via non-traditional methods like wire transfer or doorstep pickup A familiar voice that sounds unusual or inconsistent Even convincing voice clones can’t replicate the nuances of real conversation, so verification is crucial. What to Do if You Suspect a Scam If you receive a suspicious call: Hang up immediately Contact local authorities Notify your bank to prevent fraudulent transactions Inform family members to prevent further attempts 5. Report the call to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov Final Thoughts The “Grandma, I’m in Jail” scam demonstrates how technology can be misused to create highly convincing frauds. Awareness, verification, and careful communication are the best defenses. At Number Crunching, Inc, we encourage families to stay informed, educate seniors, and have a plan for verifying urgent money requests. By understanding these scams, you can protect your loved ones and prevent financial loss.

On the Carlsbad Chamber podcast, Number Crunching president Lisa Carroll shares forensic-bookkeeping insights and fraud tips, including spotting AI voice clones.