I too thank Deb for the alert.  Just today, our MI Atty. General sponsored a

workshop (that was excellent) on the topic and 2 others aimed at the

population, young and old alike.     He pointed out 2 things in the session

that can often stop the scams in their tracks:  1-  No hospital that gets

federal funds can refuse to treat anyone in an emergency situation, their

ability to pay is of no issue.    2-   Suggest that everyone keep their grandkids,

kids, and other relatives phone & cell ph # on hand (or stored in their speed

dials) and when and if they get one of these distress calls, simply tell the

caller you will call them right back, hang up and dial that person's phone

number to see if there is really an emergency.  If unable to reach the person

that is supposed to have called you, call their next closest relative (even if the

call told them not to) and get the straight story to find out if there is a real

problem or not.    Good luck on stopping these scumbags.