Authorities are raising the alarm about a surge in virtual kidnapping scams that have left families in a state of fear and sometimes significant financial distress.
According to police, scammers coerce victims into posing for photos while tied up, which are then used to blackmail parents into paying ransom for their release.
Some students who fell prey to this scheme ended up paying criminals over $100,000. The disturbing images show the students bound by rope, laying on the floor with their hands and feet tied.
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Details shared by the police reveal that criminals send messages to parents with recordings and threats about their child’s safety, demanding money to be transferred to a bank account.
In one instance, parents requested proof of their son’s safety and were shown a video chat where their 17-year-old son appeared with his hands tied behind his back and his mouth stuffed. The suspect’s voice in the background insisted on monetary demands.
Western Australia Police released images of victims with their faces blurred during the investigation.
Scammers advised parents not to involve the police and claimed that the $7,000 they promised was insufficient to secure their son’s safe return from an airport in Perth, Australia. A family friend reported the incident to the police, leading to the student being found at a local hotel.
Authorities confirmed that the victims were not in serious danger, and the student revealed that the kidnapping was staged as part of a virtual scam.
OTHER CASES
Australian police report at least four similar incidents since August 2023, where international students aged 18 to 22 became victims of virtual kidnapping scams.
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Investigators reveal that students are coerced into paying money under the threat of deportation or imprisonment. If they refuse, they are manipulated into participating in the fake kidnapping scenario. The scammers exploit the students’ fears by insinuating their connection to a crime and using information gathered from social media.
Peter Foley, a detective superintendent, stated that these scams have caused significant psychological and financial distress for families.
“The scammers prey on their vulnerabilities and exploit the distance between the victim and their families. It is practically impossible for the families to confirm that the victim is actually safe and well, and that no charges have been laid against them by foreign authorities,” said Foley.
THE FBI HAS ISSUED WARNINGS
The FBI reports that law enforcement agencies have long been aware of virtual kidnapping schemes. Initially prevalent in Mexico and Southwest border states, these scams have now expanded to target U.S. residents.
The scams have evolved to include various tactics to extort money from families who believe their loved ones are in danger.
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Special Agent Erik Arbuthnot from the FBI in Los Angeles mentioned that criminals shifted their focus from targeting specific individuals to cold-calling hundreds of numbers in various cities until finding victims.
Smartphones and internet-enabled apps are exploited in these scams, often keeping victims on the line to prevent them from contacting law enforcement.
STAYING SAFE
It is crucial to educate family members on these scams and how to protect themselves as the tactics evolve. If threatened over the phone, immediately disconnect and contact law enforcement.
Never disclose personal financial information such as account numbers. If you suspect your banking details have been compromised, notify your bank without delay.