Police warn of virtual kidnapping scams targeting int’l students

Authorities are warning about a surge of virtual kidnapping scams that are causing fear and significant financial distress for families.

Police have reported that scammers are taking photos of victims bound and somehow convincing them to participate in the scheme. These photos are then used to extort money from their parents in exchange for their safety and release.

Some students who have been coerced into the scam have ended up paying criminals over $100,000. The images captured are harrowing, depicting students tied up with rope on the floor.

According to details provided to Scripps News by the police, the criminals are sending 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 requested proof of their son’s safety and viewed a video chat showing the 17-year-old with his hands tied behind his back and his mouth stuffed, with the suspect in the background instructing them to send money.

Victims’ images with their faces blurred were released by Western Australia Police during the investigations.

Scammers in that case warned parents not to involve the police and claimed the nearly $7,000 promised would not guarantee their son’s safe return from an airport in Perth, Australia. The incident was reported to police by a family friend, leading to the student being found at a local hotel later that day.

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

OTHER CASES

Australian police have reported at least four similar cases since August 2023 involving international students aged 18 to 22 falling prey to virtual kidnapping scams.

Investigators mentioned that students are coerced into paying money or face deportation or imprisonment. If they cannot pay, they are tricked into participating in the fake virtual kidnapping scam, with scammers manipulating them by claiming they are involved in a crime using information gathered from social media.

Peter Foley, a detective superintendent, emphasized the serious psychological and financial toll these scams take on families.

He added, “The scammers target vulnerabilities and exploit the distance between the victim and their families, making it difficult for families to verify the safety of their loved ones. It is likely that more victims are out there, and we urge them to come forward and seek help.”

THE FBI HAS ISSUED WARNINGS

The FBI has highlighted virtual kidnapping schemes that have been known to law enforcement for years. Initially prevalent in Mexico and Southwest border states, these scams have evolved to target U.S. residents as well.

Authorities explained how the scams have taken on various forms to extort money from families, making them believe their relatives are in danger. The scams are executed through smartphones, internet apps, and over the phone, with victims being kept busy to prevent them from reaching out to law enforcement.

Special Agent Erik Arbuthnot of the FBI in Los Angeles noted how criminals shifted from targeting specific individuals to calling hundreds of numbers indiscriminately until unsuspecting people fell for the scheme.

The scams leverage smartphones and technology to keep victims occupied and prevent them from contacting law enforcement.

STAYING SAFE

As these scams continue to evolve, authorities stress the importance of educating families on past cases and how to protect themselves. If threatened over the phone, hang up immediately and contact law enforcement. Never disclose personal financial information like account numbers and contact your bank if you suspect a scammer has your details.