06/21/2021
Hey Springhilleans - not the funnest of topics, but please do stay vigilant and aware of the nastiness in the world. Another awful scam recently has reared it's ugly head, the Virtual Kidnapping Call. In addition to remembering to stay on top of things you share on social media (don't list phone numbers, keep your profiles private, etc.), here are a couple of quick links to bring folks up to speed. I would also say to pay attention to some of these tips given in the Today reference:
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Payton recommends people take some steps before, during and after to protect themselves from this hoax.
Have a family secret code word: “Get a secret code word with your family that people can’t guess on social media. So say ‘If you have my kid, tell my kid to tell me the secret code word.’ Most of the time if it’s a scam they are not going to know the secret code word,” Payton said.
Have them slow down: Stall. Tell them you can’t hear them. Ask if you can call them back. Keep them talking. Scams like this fail as soon as the would-be target realizes their loved one is safe.
Contact the victim: As you keep the person talking, text the alleged victim to see if they are OK. Because the scammer is only changing the caller ID and does not have the victim’s real phone, your loved one can respond.
Report it: “Absolutely you should report it,” Payton said. People should report virtual kidnappings threats to:
The Internet Crime Complaint Center
The Federal Communication Commission
The Federal Trade Commission"
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https://www.today.com/parents/virtual-kidnapping-rise-here-s-how-protect-your-family-t150413
http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/virtual-kidnapping-scams/
Virtual kidnapping scams aren’t just terrifying; they can be costly. A virtual kidnapping scam occurs when a scammer calls your number and tells you he has kidnapped your loved one. The scammer threatens injury or worse unless the victim pays a ransom.
