Scammers called us two weeks ago. We want to sound a fresh warning. A young man was on the phone in tears, claiming to be our grandson, who lives in Tucson. He said he was in jail in Los Angeles and needed help, “and please don’t tell my folks or anyone else!”

Another voice got on, claiming to be a public defender, explaining that our grandson was in a car with two friends (gave names, but unknown to us), and explained that his friend ran a red light, was stopped, and one and a half ounces of illegal drugs were found in the car.

Said he knew that Jeff was not guilty, but that it would take 12 days to release him, unless bail could be sent right away; which would be refunded after the 12 days. He said that $2,500 was required, and to send it in Greendot Money Vouchers, available in pharmacies and Walmart, and if they asked what it was for just to say, “It’s to pay bills.”

He said we had only two hours. The tears, of course, were to mask the voice discrepancy, as well as to stir emotions and lend urgency.

My wife was deeply moved with concern. I was skeptical. After hanging up we called our grandson, who was at home and perfectly safe. We have no idea how they linked us with him.

We tried to trace the caller, who left us with a phone number, a prefix from Quebec. You can dial *59 to trace your most recent caller. But I discovered that it takes a court order for you to obtain that number.

Two other strikes against any effective deterrent are, (2.) the police or sheriff won’t do anything unless you sent the money, and (3.) those scammers use throw-away phones that cannot effectively be traced.

All we could do is sound the alarm to you.