Virtual Kidnapping Scam Makes You Think Your Family Is Being Held for Ransom

The ID Theft Center current scam alerts page reports that con artists are now pretending to be kidnappers, and are holding a member of your family for ransom.

Your BBB® has heard from many victims of the Grandparents scam. You’re instructed not to call the police, and told you must wire money to an account number provided in order to free your loved one.

Some individuals who received this call recently even reported hearing women or children crying in the background, making it seem real. More sophisticated efforts use social media to find out children’s names, friends names, places they regularly go, and other specifics to make the story seem legitimate.

Click here to get tips on avoiding this scam.