RIP-OFF ALERT: The Orlando Sun's Etan Horowitz has written about a new Facebook scam you need to know about.

Here's how this one unfolds. The criminals look for someone who is popular on Facebook and then hack in to take over their account. Then they send private messages to friends stating that they're stranded overseas after having been robbed and need money to fly home.

People with big hearts who don't know any better may actually wire money overseas to the scamsters in a misguided effort to help a friend who is supposedly in need.

If you encounter a similar scam, you can report it to Facebook using their 419 scam form.

But Clark has a cold recommendation to help you stay safe. If somebody on a social networking site contacts you with this kind of plea, do not even consider sending them money until you have a voice conversation with them to verify.

And even if it is legit, should you give them money? Well, that's a personal choice. Clark's only advice is whenever someone ask you for a "loan," you should treat it in your own mind as a gift. If you get paid back, be shocked!