This exact scam was also performed in developed countries. The money (cash only for.. reasons..) was collected by a "friend" who would happen to be just right

This exact scam was also performed in developed countries. The money (cash only for.. reasons..) was collected by a "friend" who would happen to be just right there in the neighborhood. Very often a car broke down and being stranded far away, no way to pay repairs, credit cards declined for "reasons".. We called it the "grandmother scam". It does not work with mothers because they tend to recognize their son/daughter voice, even over "bad" connection. But grandma's, aunts and more distant relatives would fall for it. Unfortunately, if you willingly give cash money to a stranger knocking on your door, there is very little protection/recourse..