Warning: Virtual Kidnapping Scams Target International Students

Authorities are cautioning the public about a series of virtual kidnapping scams that are causing families distress and financial difficulties.

According to police, scammers take photos of victims tied up by convincing them to participate in the scam. These photos are then used to extort money from the victims’ parents in exchange for their safety and release.

Police report that some students coerced into these scams have resulted in criminals receiving payouts of over $100,000. The images depict horrifying scenes of students bound by rope, lying on the floor.

Details provided by law enforcement to Scripps News reveal that criminals send messages to parents containing recordings and threats to their child’s safety, demanding money to be transferred to a bank account.

In one instance, parents asked for proof of their son’s safety and viewed a video chat showing their son with his hands tied behind his back, and “with his mouth stuffed,” as the suspect in the chat demanded money.

Images of victims were released by Western Australia Police with their faces blurred during the investigations.

In another case, parents were advised not to involve the police and the nearly $7,000 they promised was not enough to secure their son’s release from an airport in Perth, Australia. The incident was later reported by a family friend, and the student was found at a hotel.

Police confirmed that the victims were not in serious danger, as the student admitted that the kidnapping was fake and part of a virtual kidnapping scam.

OTHER CASES

Australian authorities state that there have been at least four similar cases since August 2023 where international students aged 18 to 22 fell prey to virtual kidnapping scams.

Investigators mention that students are threatened with deportation or imprisonment if they fail to pay money, leading them to cooperate with the fake virtual kidnapping scheme. The scammers manipulate the students by convincing them of their involvement in a crime using information gathered from social media.

Peter Foley, a detective superintendent, highlighted the serious psychological and financial impact these scams have on families.

“The scammers exploit the victims’ vulnerabilities and distance from their families, making it difficult for families to verify the victims’ safety and well-being,” Foley stated. He urged all victims to come forward and seek help, emphasizing that they are not at fault.

THE FBI HAS ISSUED WARNINGS

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that law enforcement has been familiar with virtual kidnapping schemes for years. The FBI explains that these scams originally targeted Mexico and Southwest border states but have now expanded to affect U.S. residents.

Authorities warn that these scams have taken various forms to extort money from families, making them believe their loved ones are in danger.

Special Agent Erik Arbuthnot of the FBI in Los Angeles mentioned that criminals shifted from targeting specific individuals to cold-calling hundreds of numbers until unsuspecting people fell for the scam.

The scams leverage smartphones, internet-enabled apps, and phone calls to keep victims occupied and prevent them from contacting law enforcement, as stated by the FBI.

STAYING SAFE

As these scams evolve, police stress the importance of educating families on these scenarios and how to protect themselves. They advise hanging up immediately and calling law enforcement if someone threatens you.

Additionally, never disclose personal financial information like account numbers, and contact your bank if you suspect a scammer has obtained your details.