Virtual kidnapping scam is targeting locals
Virtual ransom scam extorting money
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A virtual kidnapping scam is going around in Yuma.
Virtual kidnappings are an extortion scam where a caller pretends to have kidnapped a child or relative and demands payment.
Over the past week the Yuma Police Department (YPD) has received various calls regarding a kidnapping scam where a caller states a relative has been kidnapped.
The caller demands a ransom, threatening they will kill or hurt the relative if the ransom is not paid.
YPD says the calls appear to be coming from Mexico, and each time the caller speaks in Spanish.
They threaten extreme violence or death against the victim if they do not receive payment or if you call the police.
YPD says sometimes callers will have someone screaming in the background hysterically, making it hard for listeners to tell if the voice belongs to a loved one.
To avoid becoming a victim, the FBI advises to lookout for the following:
· Multiple successive phone calls.
· Calls do not come from the "kidnapped" victim’s phone.
· Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone.
· Callers prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim.
· Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service.
If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a ransom for a kidnapped victim, the FBI suggests the following actions:
· Stay calm.
· Slow the situation down.
· Avoid sharing information about you or your family during the call.
· Listen carefully to the voice of the "kidnapped" victim.
· Attempt to call or determine the location of the “kidnapped” victim.
· Request to speak to the victim; ask for “proof of life”
· Ask questions for which only the victim would know answers.
· Request the kidnapped victim call back from his/her cell phone.
· Try to use another means of contacting the family member that has allegedly been kidnapped.
