7 scams that will make your blood boil

Seniors are common targets, but some scams are crueler than others. Like the "grandparent scam," in which fraudsters make phone calls impersonating grandchildren.

They do their research to make sure the person has a grandchild. Then they call and say in a panicked, muffled voice that they were mugged, got into a car accident or arrested, and need money immediately. The first instinct of the loving grandparent on the other end of the phone? To send money.

Complaints have been on the rise, according to the Federal Trade Commission. This year, the husband of AARP fraud expert Sally Hurme even became a victim. Art Hurme, 71, paid $3,000 to someone who impersonated his daughter, saying she had been arrested for drunk driving and needed money to get out of jail.

First published August 26, 2014: 9:21 AM ET

Have you been a victim of a scam? Email blake.ellis@cnn.com to share your story.

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