Bettendorf Police are warning folks about a new scam making the rounds, and this one is downright frightening.

According to a local report, the new con is a variation on the scam where elderly are called by scammers posing as a grandchild who is in trouble and needs money. In the new scam, the caller says that a family member has caused a car accident and threatens bodily harm and/or death if a 'ransom' is not paid, typically in gift cards, the quick currency of scammers.

Bettendorf Police are recommending you hang up on these scammers immediately, and check in with your relative to ensure they are ok.

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