You receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, nephew or other relative telling you they have been taken to jail (generally in another country) and they need you to send money right away. They beg you not to tell their mother or father because they are too embarrassed. They may even sound like your relative and have information about them that makes you think it's really the relative.
Call the Relative Yourself
These scammers can be very clever. You're instructed to go to Western Union and wire money to the Detective in charge of their case. This is a scam. You can easily call the relative themselves or another trusted family member and verify that the relative is indeed safe and not in jail.