It can be very alarming and scary for anyone answering their phone to be told that a loved one has been kidnapped. This is in fact, the way real kidnappings usually start off. At least, that’s the way it’s done in movies. For many people, especially parents and grandparents, this type of scenario is their worst nightmare. But before you let total panic set in, there is a very good chance you are being scammed.
Kidnapper scams are a type of scam in which fraudsters try to manipulate people into thinking that their loved one has been kidnapped or is in immediate danger. The goal is to create panic and urgency, pushing the victim to act quickly and irrationally, often leading them to hand over money or sensitive information. While these kidnapping scams have been going on now for decades, officials are warning people that the recent advancements in AI voice cloning technology and other AI tools are bringing this scam back to the forefront. And they are more believable than ever.
How Fake Kidnapper Scams Work
The scam usually begins with a phone call or text message. The scammer will often claim to have kidnapped someone close to the victim, like a child, spouse, or relative. The scammer may either use a distressed voice on the phone or pretend to be the victim’s loved one, often sounding scared or in pain. In some cases, they might even send photos or videos of the supposed victim to further convince the target.
The scammer then demands money in exchange for the safe return of the person, often requesting payment through wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to make tracking more difficult. To create urgency, the scammer may threaten harm to the victim or say that time is running out to make the payment. They often try to isolate the victim from others, insisting they don’t contact law enforcement or friends/family.
In some variations of the scam, the scammer might claim that the loved one has been involved in a car accident and is injured, but won’t be allowed to seek medical help until damages are paid. In many cases when these scams are being perpetrated, the scammer will instruct the victim to stay on the line until they receive payment. Once paid, there is no guarantee that the scammer won’t ask for more money.
Prevalence of Kidnapper Scams
Kidnapper scams, often referred to as “virtual kidnapping” or “kidnapping hoaxes,” have become more prevalent in recent years, especially with advancements in digital technology. Scammers have learned to exploit emotional vulnerability and create highly convincing scenarios using technology. Authorities have reported an increase in these scams, particularly during times of crisis or uncertainty. During high-stress times (like the holiday season or natural disasters), scammers exploit people’s fears and emotions more effectively.
How to Protect Yourself From a Fake Kidnapper Scam
- If you receive a call like this, try to remain calm and avoid panicking. Scammers rely on emotional stress to get their victims to act hastily.
- Contact the person directly (or their friends, family, or associates) to verify their whereabouts. Do not rely solely on the information provided by the caller.
- Whether you suspect it’s a scam or believe it’s for real, contact your local authorities or law enforcement.
- Be cautious about sharing personal details, especially on social media. Scammers can easily gather information about you and your family from posts, pictures, and other publicly available sources.
Here are some other recommendations and considerations on what to do and what to look out for from the National Institutes of Health.
