Grandchild abroad needing bail or hospital money
A call or message says a grandchild studying abroad is in jail or hospital and needs money sent today.
Community reports: 0
How it works
- A call or WhatsApp message says your grandchild studying abroad has been arrested or hurt, sometimes in a crying voice that may even sound like theirs.
- A "lawyer" or "police officer" comes on the line, asks you not to tell the parents, and says bail or hospital fees must be sent today.
- You are told to pay to an Indian bank account or UPI ID, and a fresh demand follows each payment.
What it looks like
Example messages. Numbers and links are masked.
Dadi, it's me, please don't tell Papa. I'm in police custody here and they took my phone. The lawyer will call you, please send the money.
This is the officer handling your grandson's case. He caused an accident. Pay Rs 2,40,000 bail today in this account or he goes to jail. Keep this confidential.
Red flags
- "Please don't tell Mummy and Papa"
- A new number or unclear, crying voice
- Money needed today, in an Indian account
- A "lawyer" or "officer" pushing for payment
The one question to ask
Have you called your grandchild or their parents on the number you already have?
Already paid or shared details?
Call 1930 at once: in the first hour the money can often still be frozen before it moves on. Then call your bank on the number printed on your card, and file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots of every message and payment.
1930 · cybercrime.gov.in
Also seen as
- Son "arrested" in India, call from fake police
- Child "kidnapped", ransom call with a crying voice
- Relative stuck at a foreign airport needing ticket money