Don’t fall for this dangerous “virtual kidnapping” ransom scam

Even though it’s rare, the idea of your child being kidnapped is terrifying for any parent. Imagine how you would feel if you got a call from your child asking for help. This intense emotion could make you act quickly without thinking. That’s exactly what the people behind a new scam called “virtual kidnapping” are hoping for.

Here’s what you should know about “virtual kidnapping” scams and how to recognize them before you become a victim.

How does the“virtual kidnapping” ransom scam work?

According to the Los Angeles Times, there’s a scam where people call parents and pretend their child has been kidnapped, demanding ransom money right away. In reality, the child is safe, maybe at school or with a babysitter, but the scammers hope you don’t find that out until you’ve paid.

An FBI agent, Erik Arbuthnot, explained to the LA Times that this scam often starts with inmates in foreign prisons who randomly call Americans, hoping to reach parents.

If you answer, you might hear a child yelling for help. The scammers want you to say your child’s name, which they then use to make their story seem real. They’ll threaten to harm your child unless you send money immediately.

These scammers usually ask for the money through services like Western Union or MoneyGram. They don’t ask for a lot to avoid U.S. rules that make it hard to send large sums abroad. But they make many calls to try and get enough money. Since they’re already in prison abroad, they aren’t worried about getting caught by U.S. authorities.

What to do (and not do) if you are targeted by a ransom scam

If you think the call about your child being in danger is fake—maybe because they are right next to you, or you don’t even have a child—the best thing to do is hang up.

If you’re unsure but still worried, the FBI recommends hanging up and then checking to make sure your child is safe. Real kidnappers would keep calling, but scammers will likely give up and move on to someone else.

FBI agent Arbuthnot also mentions that most real kidnappers don’t make calls because they’re not typically after money. This is scary but it’s a good reason to be skeptical if you get a ransom call.

Be careful about what you say to the scammers. The New York Department of State advises asking questions only your child would know the answer to.

Avoid questions that can be answered with easily found information, like birthdays. Instead, ask something unique but simple, like, “What’s our dog’s favorite treat?” It’s also a good idea to have a safe word that your child can use to show they are really in danger.

Be careful not to tell the scammers your child’s name or gender. Scammers often wait for you to give them this information so they can use it against you. If you think it’s a scam, you could use a wrong name or gender to see if the caller is really talking about your child.

Remember, the scammer’s goal is to make you panic so you won’t think clearly. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says if someone pressures you to send money right away and insists that you don’t talk to anyone else about it, that’s a warning sign it’s a scam.

Another variation of the ransom scam

Scammers often use social media to make their tricks more believable. A more advanced version of this scam uses personal information found online to convince you it’s real.

They might know your child’s name, hobbies, hairstyle, or even what they were wearing in a recent photo, making it seem like your child has really been taken.

The best way to protect yourself is to have a private safe word that only you and your child know. Share this plan with other family members, especially those who might not be familiar with technology, so they know how to respond too.

Avoid sharing sensitive information on social media, and set posts about your child to “friends only.” If your child is old enough to have their own accounts, teach them about staying safe online.

What to do if you have been a victim of a ransom scam

If you lost money to a ransom scam, report it through the FTC portal and contact the FBI by calling (202) 324-3000 or visiting their website.

If you paid the scammer using a credit card, call your card issuer right away to report the fraudulent charge—you might be able to get your money back. If you used a wire transfer, act quickly to contact the bank before the scammer withdraws the money.

The FTC has a complete list of steps you can take if this happens to you.