AARP fraud watch: Is it really your grandchild calling?

A panicked call claiming a grandchild is in danger can trigger fear — exactly the reaction scammers use to override logical thinking.

In the “grandparent scam,” criminals pose as grandchildren who are in jail, hospitalized or otherwise in trouble and urgently need money. They often request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or other unusual methods.

If you receive such a call, pause and cons…