googled the number, it came back at social security, so she called. the person on the other end already knew her social security number and address, then said fraudulent bank accounts had been opened in her name. >> you're so scared in that moment that they're saying you're going to go to federal prison. you're like oh, my god, no, how do i stop this from happening? i will tell you everything. >> reporter: the scammer said she should act quickly to safeguard her money, transfer into a digital wallet using google play gift cards and he stayed on the phone as she drove to a nearby store where thankfully an alert manager recognized she was in trouble. >> she said you are being scammed, i cannot sell this to you in good >>eporter: the federal trade commissions says the scams are exploding. 200,000 comptsmosteople hang u and never report the scam, but those who are scammed lose nearly a thousand dollars on average. the scammers are very convincing scaring everyday americans into thinking they'll be arrested if they don't pay up immediately. >> if you get one of he