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Although it seems unlikely, every parent can understand the panic and helplessness they'd feel if their child were kidnapped. The flood of emotions—especially if you received a call from your child pleading for help—could leave you feeling overwhelmed, prompting you to make hasty decisions in an attempt to rescue them. This is precisely what the creators of the ‘virtual kidnapping’ scam are banking on.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ‘virtual kidnapping’ scam, including how to recognize it before it’s too late.
What is the mechanism behind the ‘virtual kidnapping’ ransom scam?
The Los Angeles Times reports that criminals behind these schemes will call parents, trying to convince them their child has been kidnapped and demanding an immediate ransom. Meanwhile, the child is safe, either at school or with a sitter, but the scammers hope you won’t realize this until after you've paid.
FBI agent Erik Arbuthnot explained to the LA Times that this scam often starts with prisoners from foreign jails. The fraudsters cold call unsuspecting Americans, hoping to reach someone with children.
When the phone rings, you’ll hear a child in distress, shouting something like 'Mommy, daddy, help me!' The scammers aim for you to say your child’s name, so they can use it to make the story seem real. Then the 'kidnapper' will threaten your child with horrible actions if you don’t send money immediately.
The fraudsters typically instruct you to send money via Western Union or MoneyGram. They intentionally request smaller amounts to avoid triggering U.S. regulations that limit large transfers abroad, as noted by Arbuthnot. However, this also means they place more calls to make up for the smaller sums. Since they’re already incarcerated overseas, they often don’t take extra precautions to hide their activities.
What steps to take (and avoid) if you find yourself a target of a ransom scam.
If you suspect the person on the other end isn’t your child (maybe because they’re right next to you or you don’t even have one), it’s best to simply hang up. If you’re unsure but feel unsettled, the FBI advises you to hang up and immediately check on your child. If the situation were real, the kidnapper would likely continue calling, but scammers typically move on to the next target. Arbuthnot also points out that most kidnappers won’t contact you at all, as their motives aren’t typically monetary—so, while it’s not reassuring, it’s a good reason to pause before taking any action.
What you should be cautious about is the information you give away to the scammers. The New York Department of State recommends vetting calls like these by asking questions only your child would know the answers to. Since so much of your personal information is easily accessible nowadays, avoid asking simple questions like 'When’s your birthday?' Instead, go for something specific yet harmless, like 'What’s our dog’s favorite treat?' Ideally, you’ll have a safe word in place that your child can use if they’re ever in danger.
Be mindful not to share your child’s name or gender. Scammers often wait for you to provide those details so they can use them against you. If you think you’re being scammed, offering the wrong name or gender can help confirm that your child isn’t in danger.
Remember, their objective is to panic you into acting without thinking clearly. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that if you’re pressured to act immediately and send money without consulting anyone, it’s a red flag.
Another version of the ransom scam.
As previously mentioned, our lives are deeply entwined with social media, which scammers can exploit. A more advanced form of this scam uses personal data easily found online and through social media to make their attempts more believable. The scammer might know intimate details such as your child’s name, their clothing style, hobbies, or hairstyle, and use these to convince you that your child has been abducted.
A private safe word that only you and your child know is the most effective defense in these situations. Be sure to educate other family members, especially those who may not be as tech-savvy, so they are prepared to react appropriately. Keep sensitive information off social media whenever possible, and set posts involving your child to “friends only.” For older children with personal accounts, ensure they understand basic online safety principles.
Steps to follow if you become a victim of a ransom scam
If you’ve lost money due to a ransom scam, file a report through the FTC portal and contact the FBI at (202) 324-3000, or visit their site online.
If you paid a scammer via credit card, you can likely recover the funds by notifying your card issuer about the fraudulent charge. If the payment was made through a wire transfer, you might also be able to reverse the transaction, provided you act swiftly before the funds are withdrawn.
The FTC has compiled a comprehensive guide of actions to take in the event that you find yourself in this rare situation.
