RIP-OFF ALERT: The Orlando Sentinel recently reported on a new scam where crooks call senior citizens and impersonate their adult grandchildren in order to hit them up for money. Heed this warning if you have aging parents or friends.

Here's how a typical conversation might go:

The phone rings and the senior picks up…

Scamster: (in a low tone) Grandma?
Senior: Is that you, Jimmy?
Scamster: Yes, it's me and I'm in trouble. I'm in jail. I need you to wire money so I can get out.

The typical take on this scam is anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000. There's even a reload on this one. If the scamster gets money, they'll have another person call up impersonating a police officer and ask for additional funds in order for their "grandchild" to be released. They claim there are extra charges for property damage.

Once the money is taken, you'll never see it again. As The Orlando Sentinel says, you should never give out personal info over the phone or send money to unknown sources through a wire service.