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New scam is targeting the Redwood City area that you need to be aware of. The FBI calls is “Virtual Kidnapping.” Here is how it works: strangers call you and
say that they have your loved one and they will kill them unless you pay up.
Here
are some tips to avoid becoming a victim of this scam;
The
success of any type of virtual kidnapping scheme depends on speed and fear.
Criminals know they only have a short time to exact a ransom before the victims
unravel the scam or authorities become involved. To avoid becoming a victim,
look for these possible indicators:
- Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line.
- Calls do not come from the supposed victim’s phone.
- Callers try to prevent you from contacting the “kidnapped” victim.
- Calls include demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer to Mexico; ransom amount demands may drop quickly.
If
you receive a phone call from someone demanding a ransom for an alleged kidnap
victim, the following should be considered:
- In most cases, the best course of action is to hang up the phone.
- If you do engage the caller, don’t call out your loved one’s name.
- Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to your family member directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
- Ask questions only the alleged kidnap victim would know, such as the name of a pet. Avoid sharing information about yourself or your family.
- Listen carefully to the voice of the alleged victim if they speak.
- Attempt to contact the alleged victim via phone, text, or social media, and request that they call back from their cell phone.
- To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
- Don’t agree to pay a ransom, by wire or in person. Delivering money in person can be dangerous.
If
you suspect a real kidnapping is taking place or you believe a ransom demand is
a scheme, contact The Redwood City Police Department.
