BBB Warns Parents and Students of “Emergency Scams” as College Campuses Reopen
As students head back to campus for the fall semester, Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky is warning families about an uptick in “emergency scams,” also known as “grandparent scams.” These schemes prey on fear, urgency, and the love people have for friends and family, especially when young adults are living away from home.
Scammers often impersonate loved ones, claiming they are in a dire situation such as an arrest, accident, or medical emergency. With details pulled from social media, scammers weave convincing stories, sometimes even using nicknames or information about real travel plans.
Technology has made these scams even more deceptive. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scammers are now using voice cloning to mimic loved ones’ voices from social media videos or other online sources, making urgent pleas sound frighteningly real.
How to Spot and Stop Emergency Scams:
- Pause before reacting – No matter how urgent or emotional the message, take time to verify.
- Contact your loved one directly – Use their known phone number or reach out to other family members.
- Ask specific questions – Challenge the caller with something only the real person would know.
- Check privacy settings – Limit what personal information, photos, and videos are visible on social media.
- Never send money to unverified sources – Payment app requests, gift cards, and wire transfers are common scam red flags.
- If someone shows up to collect money – Do not answer the door. Call the police immediately.
“Parents sending their kids back to school already have enough to think about,” said Robyn Householder, President & CEO of BBB Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. “Scammers are counting on that anxiety to trick families into sending money without asking questions. Take a moment to slow down, verify the situation, and protect your hard-earned money.”
If you believe you’ve been targeted by an emergency scam, report it immediately to local law enforcement, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and BBB’s Scam Tracker at BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky
25 Century Blvd Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37214
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