FBI Warning Americans about Virtual Kidnapping Scam
November 16, 2015 – The FBI is trying to get the word out to people nationwide about a new scam that they have dubbed “virtual kidnapping.” It is a scam with few barriers to entry and which costs the scam artists virtually nothing to carry it out. Furthermore, the chances of getting caught by the police are extremely low. Consequently, it is spreading across the country like wildfire.
The way that the scam works is very simple. The scam artist finds your profile on social media. He then looks through your account to find pictures and information about your wife, your children and other members of your family. By this point, the scammer knows your name, where you live, your hobbies, and the names of the people you are closest to because you posted all of that information on your profile.
From there, the scam artist tracks down your phone number. He then calls you and tells you that your child, spouse or other family member has been kidnapped. He may also tell you that the kidnapped person is injured. This is about the time that the threats begin. If you ever want to see kidnapping victim alive again, you will have to pay a ransom.
One of my neighbors was recently targeted with this scam. In his case, the caller told him that his daughter –whose name the kidnapper knew - had been kidnapped. Fortunately for him, he was able to determine that his daughter was actually with his wife before he ever got off the phone. Even so, it was a frightening moment.
CBS news has put together a good report on the scam. You will find it below.
Fraud and Scams 
