Virtual kidnappings do not involve physically holding someone for ransom, but they can be just as terrifying to the targets and their families. In a virtual kidnapping, criminals contact family members and claim that their loved one is being held and they must pay a ransom or the victim will be injured or killed.
According to the AARP, targets may be identified via online directories or social media. The calls sometimes originate in Puerto Rico, and may include the sound of cries or screams that are supposed to be from the alleged victim.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says that callers demand immediate payment of a ransom via wire and the “kidnappers” may try to keep the family on the phone until the ransom is paid, to keep them from trying to contact the alleged kidnap victim.
Another version of the scam targets U.S. tourists traveling in countries such as Mexico. The target receives a call at their hotel warning that they are in danger. The caller convinces the tourist that they have been targeted by a drug cartel. They are told to leave their hotel, turn off their cell phones and buy disposable phones. Once the target has been cut off from family members, the family members are contacted by the criminals with ransom demands. They may contact multiple family members in an attempt to get as much money as they can.
Although these threats are very believable and frightening, they are fake. The FBI advises that if you are traveling out of the country and receive a call telling you to leave the hotel and turn off your cell phone, you should first hang up, then call your family and local law enforcement. Never turn off your personal cell phone.
Family members who receive a call demanding ransom for an alleged kidnap victim should watch for these signs of the virtual kidnapping scam:
- The caller insists that you stay on the phone with him, to keep you from calling the alleged victim.
- The calls do not come from the victim’s phone.
- There are multiple successive calls.
- Calls are made from an outside area code, often Puerto Rican area codes 787 and 939.
- They demand that the ransom be paid by wire transfer.
- The amount of ransom demanded may drop quickly.
If your family receives a ransom demand, the FBI recommends the following actions:
- Try to slow the situation down. Tell the caller you are writing down the demand, or that you need time to do what they are asking.
- Ask to speak to the victim.
- Ask questions only the victim could answer. Avoid sharing any information about yourself or your family.
- Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnap victim. These criminals often have accomplices who pose as the victim.
- Attempt to contact the victim by calling, texting or posting to social media. Ask them to call back from their cell phone.
- Don’t argue with or challenge the caller. Maintain a low and steady tone of voice.
Contact your local FBI office immediately about any ransom demand.
