Spot a fake phone call
Some callers pretend to be someone you trust, so you'll send money or share private details. Knowing the common stories makes them much easier to spot.
The "grandkid in trouble" call
The caller says they're your grandson, granddaughter, or another relative. They've been in an accident or arrested, and they need money fast. Sometimes a second person comes on the line, pretending to be a lawyer or police officer.
- They say it's urgent, and that you're the only one who can help.
- They ask you to keep it a secret, so you won't check with the rest of the family.
- They want payment in a hard-to-trace way: gift cards, a wire transfer, crypto, a payment app, or cash picked up at your door.
The voice may sound just like your loved one. The FTC warns that scammers can use AI (artificial intelligence) tools to copy a person's voice from a short recording, such as a video posted online. Don't trust the voice alone.
Calls that say they're from Medicare or the IRS
- Medicare: the FTC says Medicare sends cards automatically and for free. Medicare won't call to sell you something or to tell you to pay for a card. If a caller asks for your Medicare number, bank details, or card number, it's a scam.
- IRS: the FTC says that if you owe taxes, the IRS contacts you by mail. The IRS won't demand payment by gift card, wire transfer, crypto, or a payment app, and won't threaten to arrest you.
- Caller ID can be faked. Your screen may show a real government or bank name. That doesn't prove who is calling.
What to do
- Hang up. It's not rude. Or say, "I'll call you right back."
- Call back on a number you know. Call your grandchild or their parent on the number saved in your iPhone. For Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For the IRS, call 800-829-1040. Don't use a number the caller gave you.
- Tell someone in the family, even if the caller said to keep it secret.
- Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto to someone who called you.
Ideas that help
- Ask a question only the real person would know, like the name of the family dog.
- Some families agree on a code word to use in a real emergency.
- Let calls from numbers you don't know go to voicemail. Our spam call guide shows how to quiet them.
Report the call
Report scam calls at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you lost money, see What to do if you think you've been scammed.
Where these steps come from
Checked in November 2026 against the official pages below, using the newest iPhone software. Your screen may look a little different, especially on an older iPhone. The official page always has the latest steps.