“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.  

 

Who’s On The Other End? Now You Find Out With Reverse Phone Number Lookup

Let’s face it – these are scary digital times. How we communicate is a great technological achievement, but it can also come with consequences. How does our relationship with our cell phones affect our relationships with everyone in our life? Our cell phones connect us to the people we need or love, but sometimes others communicate with us who we want no part of.

Did you ever think you’d need a powerful phone number look up? Here’s why you might.

According to a pewinternet.org article, “Nearly two-thirds of Americans are now smartphone owners, and for many these devices are a key entry point to the online world.” The article goes on to say: “In all, one-in-five American adults (19%) indicate that at least one of those conditions apply to them, and 7% of the public says that both of these conditions apply — that is, they do not have broadband access at home, and also have relatively few options for getting online other than their cell phone.”

These days, we rely on our cell phones for everything. But what happens when we feel harassed by all this technology and convenience? A great majority of people don’t even answer the phone when someone calls us and we don’t recognize that number. Not in my contact list? Forget – not answering. Let it go to voice mail. Then we check that voice mail at a more convenient time. But what if you’re looking for an instant relief to your worry? What if you need to know now?!

Our social media newsfeeds are chock full of scary stories about people who were contacted under false pretenses – scams on the elderly, harassing exes, and even something as innocent as job hunting! Many innocents simply looking for a new job are contacted by headhunters in other states that suddenly have all of their personal information.

And as easy as it is to pay bills, send emails, job search, and so much more…all of this oversharing can lead to that one moment when you have that scary unknown call. Maybe that call comes while you’re in a meeting. Maybe that call happens when you’re out to dinner. Maybe that call happens when you’re walking home in the dark by yourself. Who is this person? Why are they bothering me? Suddenly, you may find yourself needing a phone number lookup to find out exactly who it is.

Enter Hero Reverse Phone Lookup. Now you can find out exactly who’s on the other end. With this fantastic service, you can find out not only the person who’s calling, but also their location and basic information.

Have more than one number harassing you? This fantastic phone number lookup service gives you the option of a one-time report, or a full year premium membership for unlimited searches.

In the end, we have ourselves to blame. Why? Many of us don’t even realize how many times we put our personal cell phone number out there! We use our personal cell phone numbers for every email sign-up and retail service out there. No wonder we’re getting calls from people and businesses we don’t recognize.

But with Hero, you’ll never be in the dark again.