Darien police are warning residents about a phone scam where callers are claiming to have kidnapped their intended victims' children.

They say the scammers targeted a Darien High School student's mother Thursday.

The callers reportedly claimed they had a woman's child and demanded ransom for a safe return. Police say the scam even included the sound of a child crying in the background.

Authorities say the scammers, calling from outside the country, will often instruct parents to remain on the line, go to an ATM and withdraw money. Then they'll ask the victims to go to a retail store and wire the money.

Police say anyone targeted by such a call should avoid giving out any information, hang up and call police right away.