Authorities in California have warned about the increasing cases of so-called virtual kidnapping. The victim saying her family member was stolen, and a ransom demand. Although actually I wasn’t kidnapped.
This Scam has been around for several decades, but people still believe such messages and give large sums of money into the hands of fraudsters.
Recently, several parents in southern California are faced with this type of fraud.
Andrea, one of the victims, told reporters about the incident CBSLA. A few weeks ago she responded to a call where an unfamiliar voice said that her 19-year-old daughter Audrey was kidnapped. If she wants to see her child alive — said the thief — you have to pay $4500. Then Andrea heard the voice of «daughter», which was frightened and cried.
Audrey at this point was in College in Oregon, so Andrea believed the call and agreed to transfer the money.
«It was a nightmare, recalls the victim, I heard my daughter’s voice pleading for help».
That it was not her daughter, the woman found out only after 6 hours.
Police say the scammers are always trying to rush people, threatening and yelling because their schema at any moment could fall apart. So try not to panic, quietly consider all you said.
If the «kidnapper» demands to transfer money to his account for the return of your son or daughter in the FBI suggest, first try to check for yourself where your child is right now, and to call 911 or at (505) 889-1300.
The FBI & police have seen an uptick in virtual kidnap hoaxes are reported by victims, some of whom sent money overseas. If you receive a call claiming your child was kidnapped with a demand for wired cash, verify your child’s location & call 911 or the FBI https://t.co/jnsUXj5Sju
— FBI Los Angeles (@FBILosAngeles) March 20, 2019
The police asks people to comply with several rules:
- To agree in advance with your family members about code words that only you would know.
- Ask questions, answer to which can only the alleged victim of a kidnapping, for example, the name of a pet.
- According to the FBI, virtual fraudsters, involved in kidnapping, often unable to gather information through social networks. So try not to share information about yourself or your family on the Internet.
- Listen carefully to the voice of the alleged victim and what they say Scam.
- Try to contact the supposedly kidnapped person on the phone or on social networks, ask them to call you back on my mobile.
- If you suspect that someone in your family actually stole, or think that the ransom is a Scam, immediately contact the nearest FBI office or local law enforcement agencies.
