I almost got taken by one of these last year only they were in London and they had be robbed. I was ready to help out when my youngest daughter called and I told her that dad's old sec. was in need of money. She said,STOP this is a scam stopped my DH at the bank from withdrawling $600 . So they go for smaller amounts too. I reported to the local police and then to the web site for reporting this type of scam. Since I had the person on the line I told them nice try but that they had been reported. And I asked them the question How do you live with yourselves? Keep a watchful eye. I would think that a family or friend in trouble would contact a family member who know that they are traveling.