Virtual Kidnapping Overview
“Virtual Kidnapping Scams”, also known as "Ransomware Kidnapping", are a type of cybercrime that has been on the rise in recent years. These scams involve criminals who pose as kidnappers, claiming to have abducted a loved one. They demand a ransom payment, often in cryptocurrency, to secure the victim's release.
These types of scams were, at one time, limited to Mexico and Southwest border states. However, this trend has evolved to impact any U.S. resident located anywhere throughout the United States.
How The Virtual Kidnapping Scam Operates
- Targeting: Scammers often target individuals through social media, email, or phone calls. They may obtain personal information about potential victims, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, from public records or online databases.
Some articles report that the primary targets are Spanish-speaking individuals. While this may have been true years ago, this is no longer factually accurate. Any person, across any demographic, can be a target for virtual kidnapping scams.
Contact: The scammer will contact the victim, pretending to be a kidnapper. They may use a spoofed phone number or a voice-altering app to disguise their identity. Scammers use a recording of a person screaming for help and threaten to harm a loved one unless a ransom is paid.
Threat: The scammer will threaten to harm or kill the alleged victim unless a ransom is paid. They may also provide fabricated details, such as a fake location or a demand for a specific amount of money. Demands are typically for smaller amounts, often under $2,000, and are often paid through wire transfers.
Pressure: The scammer will often use psychological tactics to pressure the victim into paying the ransom. They may threaten to harm other family members or friends, or they may claim that the victim is in grave danger.
A.I. Use: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced the sophistication of virtual kidnapping scams. Scammers can now employ AI-powered voice generators to create highly convincing human-like voices, making their threats seem more credible. Moreover, AI-driven translation tools enable scammers to target victims who speak languages they may not be fluent in, expanding their potential reach and making it more difficult for victims to detect the scam.
What to Do if You're Targeted
• Be Vigilant: Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages, especially if they involve threats or demands for money.
• Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, demanding immediate payment. Slow down and give yourself time to think clearly, you’ll often conclude that the circumstance is unplausible or even impossible.
• Verify Information: If you receive a suspicious message claiming that a loved one has been kidnapped, try to verify the information through multiple channels. Contact the person directly or reach out to mutual friends or family members.
• Do Not Pay the Ransom: Paying the ransom will not guarantee the safe release of the victim. In fact, it may encourage scammers to target more victims.
• Report the Scam: If you believe you are the victim of a virtual kidnapping scam, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or file an anonymous report to the FBI via the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Scammers are skilled at manipulating their victims. If you receive a threatening message, stay calm and do not panic. Seek help from trusted friends, family, or law enforcement. By understanding the tactics used in virtual kidnapping scams, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from this type of cybercrime.
