We had a massive problem in my country about this. They were targeting seniors that needed medical help. Supposedly they were requesting half the money for a given operation or bogus medicine that would help them recover. They stole 100's of thousands in a period of 5 months.
Eventually one was caught and the others stopped.
Interesting. I think once the authorities start cracking down they modify the scam to something slightly different.
Small place here. Nowhere to run :D
True:)