A scammer is calling parents in West Michigan, saying they have to pay a ransom or their child will be hurt.

The scam is similar to a scam that has preyed on the elderly, telling them that their grandchild is in jail and needs bail money.

This one takes it up a notch, however. The scammers are preying on parents and telling them that their child has been kidnapped.

In one instance, according to WOOD-TV 8, the scammers told a mother that her child had been in a car accident and that they had abducted him and wanted money.

The caller knew her son's name as well as his phone number and the make, model, and license plate number of his car. They also shared with her her daughter's name and phone number, and said that they knew where she lived.

Luckily, the woman was able to get in touch with her son's girlfriend to confirm that he was okay and not actually abducted.

This scam has been happening all over the country, taking thousands of dollars from panicked parents.

Over the last few days, scammers have hit Grand Rapids and Wyoming.

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