Scams are as old as mankind and they continue to thrive and evolve. The Internet age has enabled scammers to operate without coming face to face with potential victims. A frightening new phone scam is tricking people into sending hundreds of dollars to thieves, calling it the “virtual kidnapping scam.”
What follows a virtual kidnapping ransom scam has always been targeting vulnerable people.
Virtual Kidnapping Ransom Scam: The scam usually starts with a phone call informing you that a family member is being held captive. The caller may claim that your daughter has been abducted, and you may hear a female screaming in the background.
Another variation of the fraud involves a family member being held in custody because he or she caused an auto accident, was injured, and will not be allowed to go to the hospital until the damages are paid.
Typically, callers will give the victim specific instructions to ensure the safe return of the family member. You may be told to stay on the line until the money is wired to you. The caller may claim that they did not receive the money and may demand additional payment.
In Austin Texas, a Mom has just experienced a Virtual Kidnapping Ransom Scam on Thursday morning.
Pye Brown, an Austin mom was in panic and distress while on the phone with a caller, who claimed to be a police officer, and gave her a name and badge number.
According to Brown, She got a call from a 512 area code, a man who claimed to be a police officer said her child had been in a car accident, was fine, and needed to be picked up, however, Brown said she heard a crying voice from a child asking for mama. “A child got on the phone and was crying for their mama,” Brown told KVUE-TV.
Until, for a few seconds, her worst nightmare became a reality.
The man now claimed to be holding the girl hostage, which was not impossible given that her child was with a nanny. “He started using a harsh voice and told me that he used that story to get my attention and that my daughter was in the wrong place at the wrong time and that he had her,” Brown recalled.
“He claimed to be in a Mexican drug gang and that I need to listen carefully to his instructions.”
Through trembling and tears Brown requested a description of her child from the alleged kidnapper, Simultaneously texted her nanny’s child for confirmation. Fortunately, her daughter’s nanny sent her a picture of her child and assured her that everything was fine. The man then dropped the call.
“It was only seconds until I got confirmation that she was safe, but that everything just stood still,” Brown said.
And as soon as the scammer dropped the call, Brown said she called 911 to file a Police report. Brown said she’s now lost her sense of security and as a Mom, she doesn’t want other parents to feel the way she did when she got that call.
“I have to presume for my mental health that this was a fluke and that this person did not know specific details about me. But that’s possible, right?” she said.
“I’m relieved. I’ve been spooning my baby. Everything’s fine. So, like, my heart feels better and I feel like my family is safe.”
Watch it here:Youtube/KVUE
Sources: Westernjournal, Wltx, Kvue
