“Virtual Kidnapping” in the U.S and Rising in New York

Virtual kidnapping is an invasive new trend reoccurring throughout the United States, especially in New York. Con artist are calling innocent families, claiming to have their relative captive and asking for ransom money. According to NBC’s News Article: FBI, NYPD Warn of "Virtual Kidnapping" Scam Calls, “Agents say that hundreds of people in the New York City metropolitan region have been victimized by the scam recently. The FBI says that the scammers don't actually kidnap anyone, but use co-conspirators to convince their victims that a loved one is in danger.”  New York’s FBI Assistant Director, George Venizelos states- “This is a scheme that takes advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in New York City.” Keep a look out for area codes outside of New York, there have been a few reverse number lookups found with Puerto Rico’s area code.

Here’s a good heads up- “Callers will typically provide the victim with specific instructions to ensure safe return of the allegedly kidnapped individual. In some cases, these instructions involve demands of a ransom payment. Callers are ordered to stay on the phone until the money is wired, often to a third party in Puerto Rico. Most schemes use various techniques to instill a sense of fear, panic, and urgency in an effort to rush the victim into making a very hasty decision. Instructions usually require the ransom payment be made immediately and typically by wire transfer using companies such as Western Union. The requested ransom payments are for varied amounts, usually between $600 to $1,900. In addition, once a payment is made, the alleged kidnappers often claim the money was not received and tells the victims that they need to wire additional money. The perpetrators of this scam appear to be Hispanic males and often speak with a Spanish accent.” –FBI.gov

With the culmination of technology, it is unfortunate that people are taking advantage of the advancements. These scammers have target victims, before their initial threat call, they do an extensive search on innocent families- an extremely invasive procedure.

Taking precaution is never a bad idea, and it’s always good to be one step ahead of the game. There is a reverse number lookup website, it gives full access to reports on these unknown callers. Keep in mind area codes (like787, 939 and 853) come from Puerto Rico and are a big target.

With the reverse number lookup website, you are given the opportunity to conceal any available reports making you less of a target to these con artists.

After hearing and reading the warnings on “virtual kidnapping” I am happy to say that I am an unlimited member on Hero Reverse Phone Lookup. It comes in handy for scary times like this. I would hate to be one of their victims, I can’t imagine the emotion experienced… and to find out that it was all a scam to take their hard earned money. This is definitely something to be aware of.