Crying Phone Call Scams: A New Scam Threat to Older Adults
As a nonprofit who works to help older adults stay safe online, we’ve seen how scammers are constantly adapting their tactics. One of the more alarming scams we’ve seen recently involves phone calls designed to exploit our deepest fears—the safety of our loved ones. These are the “crying phone call scams”. This content can be scary (as are a lot of scams), so be careful while reading.
My hope is that by understanding these schemes, you’ll feel more prepared to handle them calmly and safely.
The Anatomy of the Crying Phone Call Scam
Imagine this: your phone rings. You answer, and the first thing you hear is the sound of someone crying. It’s unsettling, to say the least. Your heart rate picks up. Then, a man’s voice cuts in. He might say something terrifying—perhaps that your loved one has been hurt or is in danger. He demands money, immediately.
These calls are not just random. Scammers are skilled manipulators who know how to push emotional buttons. They count on you being too panicked to think clearly or verify the situation. In some cases, they even use technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to clone voices, making the deception even more convincing. This is an escalation from the regular phone spoofing or grandparent scams.
Real Stories of Crying Call Scams
These stories are not hypothetical—they’ve happened to real people. Several have shared their experiences (and the lingering trauma from the call) during our in-person workshops. One older woman living at a retirement home shared how she received a call where the voice of a young was crying and begging for her help. Before she could make sense of it, a man’s voice cut in over, claiming her daughter had been in an accident and was in his custody. He demanded a ransom. She didn't have a daughter and when she told him that, he hung up. She was haunted for months after, that she might have accidentally caused harm or death to a stranger. Even months later, her hands trembled and her voice shook when she recounted that call. It was heartbreaking.
Another common variation we’ve seen online is when you get an unknown call with the sound of someone crying, then whispering, then complete silence. Then the call ends. When you call back, you hear faint voices in the background but got no clear response. This is part of a scam designed to make victims rack up expensive phone charges by repeatedly calling back.
These scenarios are chilling, and they all share a common goal: to create panic and confusion so victims act without thinking.
How Scammers Exploit Technology and Emotions
What makes these scams so dangerous is how they prey on both our emotions and our trust in technology. Here are some common elements:
Voice Cloning with AI: Using just a few seconds of someone’s recorded voice, scammers can use AI tools to create convincing imitations. This means they can make it sound like a loved one is on the line, pleading for help. Right now, much of this has been limited to voices found on public sources, like social media or news reports.
Spoofed Caller IDs: Scammers can disguise their phone numbers to look local or familiar, making you more likely to pick up.
Urgency and Fear: By claiming your loved one is in immediate danger, they make it hard for you to stop and think rationally.
What to Do If You Receive a Crying Phone Call
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to stay calm. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Pause and Breathe: Scammers rely on panic. Take a deep breath and remind yourself to think clearly.
Verify the Story: Don’t provide any personal information, even if the caller seems to know details about you. Hang up and try to contact the person they claim to be directly. Use a trusted number, not the one provided by the caller. If you can’t reach the exact person, try other members of their family.
Ask Specific Questions: If you suspect a scam, ask something only your loved one would know. Scammers often lack detailed knowledge.
Don’t Call Back Unknown Numbers: If a call seems suspicious, resist the urge to call back. Scammers may use callbacks to rack up charges or confirm your number is active, and then pass the number along to other scammers.
Report the Incident: Share what happened with your local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Reporting helps track and combat scams.
How to Protect Yourself in Advance
Preparation is key to staying safe. Here are a few proactive measures you can take:
Establish a Family Password: Agree on a code word or phrase with your loved ones that only they would know. Use it to confirm their identity in emergencies. This can be especially helpful with small children or significantly older family members.
Screen Calls: If you don’t recognize a number, let it go to voicemail. Scammers rarely leave credible messages. If it’s a legitimate request, the caller will leave a voicemail.
Stay Informed: Regularly read about common scams so you can recognize them if they happen to you. We will be posting about new scams as they pop on our radar.
Discuss with Family: Talk openly with your loved ones about these scams so everyone is prepared and on the same page. It can also be helpful to role-play or practice hanging up from a tense phonically.
Receiving a call like this can be a deeply unsettling experience. It’s normal to feel scared or overwhelmed in the moment. But remember, you’re not alone. There are resources and people who can help.
Bookmark or print this page so you can refer to it anytime, and share it with a friend or relative who might find it helpful. You can also read more articles in our resource center, download the free internet safety guide PDF, or attend one of our upcoming workshops.