13 charged in nationwide ‘Grandparent Scam’ targeting seniors, FBI says

Federal investigators say 13 people are facing charges in connection to a nationwide “grandparent scam” that has stolen millions from seniors, with Uber playing an unexpected role in the takedown.

What is the ‘grandparent scam’?

The scam involves callers pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, often claiming they’ve been arrested, in a car accident, or need bail money, and pressuring victims to pay quickly.

CBS News Justice Correspondent Scott MacFarlane said the fraud rings are highly polished.

“Either through the use of artificial intelligence technology, voice cloning technology, or simply a sophisticated schemer… they can mimic the voice of somebody’s grandchild,” MacFarlane said. “It is easier to fall for than you think, according to federal investigators.”

Where did these arrests happen?

MacFarlane said the latest case is based in Boston.

“There are 13 people charged. Some have been arrested. Some are still being pursued,” he said. “Some of the victims were in Massachusetts. But there are victims all across the country.”

Authorities believe there are at least 400 known victims, possibly many more, and losses in the millions.

How did Uber help in the investigation?

MacFarlane said the scammers used rideshare drivers to move cash from victims to members of the crime ring.

“They used rideshare drivers to transport runners… who go to grandma or grandpa’s house to collect the cash,” MacFarlane said. “The Uber drivers were unaware, but Uber saw some suspicious patterns… and they alerted authorities.”

The U.S. Attorney credited Uber with helping trigger the investigation and takedown of the ring.

Could there be more arrests?

MacFarlane said the investigation is ongoing.

“There are likely many more victims out there who don’t realize they were victimized,” he said.

He also noted scammers exploit two main factors: a grandparent’s emotional connection to their grandchild and the urgency of the demand.

“We need you to do this right now… before you have time to think,” MacFarlane said. “That speed is not only a red flag, but one of the effective tools for those executing the schemes.”