Every day, hundreds of Americans fall for a con known as “the grandparent scam.”

This happens when someone calls posing as a grandchild in trouble who needs money. The caller says the money should be wired immediately and should be kept a secret. Those are big red flags.

Scammers often get family details, including grandchildren’s names and travel plans, from social networking sites or online directories.

If you get a call from your supposed grandchild, ask a question only the real grandchild would know and the answer does not appear on social media.

Better yet, hang up. Verify the whereabouts of your grandchild with another family member. Then call local law enforcement or AARP Fraud Watch Network.

AARP Fraud Watch Network is working to educate the public to prevent scams. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork, or call 1-877-908-3360.