[redwitch]

I'm so sorry for your neighbor. Sounds like the thieves may have gotten the idea from the internet.

It really isn't a bad idea to call the police department before going there when you get a call like that to confirm they did in fact call. Don't let the party calling know you are going to call, simply get the name, thank them and and say you'll be there shortly. Then, call the department and confirm the name and the facts. If it's a scam, the police should send someone out (and advise you to leave the house immediately) to wait for the thieves.

Hope they find those guys. This could get really frightening if someone is in the home when it is robbed.