SOMERSET, Ky. (WKYT) - Police in southern Kentucky are warning residents of a potential scam making the rounds.

The Somerset Police Department posted the details about how it works on their Facebook page Thursday. Police say a Pulaski county resident received a phone call from a young lady, pretending to be her granddaughter. The caller was able to provide convincing details of the family's history before asking the person on the other end of the phone to wire money. The caller claimed to have a friend who was recently involved in a car accident out of state, who needed financial help.

The caller even took it a step further by pleading for confidentiality between the victim and supposed granddaughter, by asking that the parents remain "in the dark" regarding the situation.

The victim ended up wiring $1,000 to the caller, but as it turns out, the granddaughter and her friend were never really in need.

Somerset police say this kind of scam happens all too often, adding scam artists and thieves will go to great lengths in search of personal information that can be used in identity theft. Police say in this situation, scammers usually target the elderly, who may be hard of hearing or unable to verify the facts.

Police say watch out for callers who use incarceration or medical needs in an attempt to solicit money.

To protect yourself, police say always verify any name, address, or phone number given to you by a potential scammer, and always seek guidance from a trusted family member before sending any cash.