Re: Real life precursor.
There are real example of this type of scam. Usually uses stolen laptops and/or phones. Hence the reference to "txt". It is a usual holiday scam. Steal a young persons phone/laptop and then text/email the "mom/dad" in the address list. As only text, it's harder to confirm identity. As the real son/daughter is without phone/laptop they cannot contact family to confirm they are ok, and don't need £$10,000 in bail or medical bills.
I would assume they do go for older or female parents more often. They may or may not have yet used Siri or Google to make voice lists, but it is certainly possible. If they have access to phone (non-fingerprint locked) through pin stealing snooping over the shoulder, then they can get 6 months or more voice logs!
Biting the hand that feeds IT
