Katie and Steve Watson of coral springs (South FL), almost became victims of fraud with «kidnapping» their child, urging other parents to be vigilant.
Monday, November 26, Katie got a call from an unknown number. In the tube came a baby crying, then a man’s voice said that her daughter Chloe is kidnapped. «He said, «Katie, I have your daughter, she’s in the van»» — says the woman.
In full confidence that it’s either someone’s silly joke, or a fraud, Cathy immediately hung up.
«But when I checked the daughter’s location via GPS your phone, I felt bad. First, the GPS showed that Chloe is at Westglades Middle School in Parkland, where it was supposed to be, and the GPS suddenly «jumped» to a completely different place in Parkland».
Kathy called her daughter. It turned out that the girl, fortunately, all right: she was in the classroom. What happened to the GPS, is not exactly known.
The FBI calls these cases of «virtual kidnapping». Over the years the scheme has evolved — attackers keep abreast of scientific and technological progress.
«The scammer says that kidnapped your family member and demands money. The case of the child crying is something new,» say the feds.
Here are some simple tips from the FBI to avoid becoming a victim of scams:
- In most cases, the best solution is to hang up.
- If you still talk with the attacker, don’t call the name of the «kidnapped» family member.
- Ask to speak with «stolen» directly.
- Ask questions, the answers to which can only know «kidnapped.» Ask, for example, the name of your pet.
- Try to contact the «abductees» themselves by phone or through social networks.
- If you suspect that there was a real kidnapping, immediately contact the nearest FBI office or local police Department.
Read also: Three brave young girl rescued her from the kidnapper and put him to flight.
