The terrifying new “virtual kidnapping scam” is tricking people into sending large sums of money to thieves online through their phones.
The scam can be described as an initial phone call informing you that a family member has been abducted and is currently being held captive.
Another variation of this scam may involve a family member being held in custody as a result of causing an auto accident and they will inform you that they are not allowed to go to the hospital to tend to injuries until damages are paid upfront.
After this point, the caller will give the scam victim detailed instructions on how to ensure the safe return of the family member, which would include the person wiring money to the caller. Occasionally, the caller may take it a step further and claim the original payment was not received and demand an additional payment.
In Austin, Texas a concerned mother just became victim to this Virtual Kidnapping Ransom Scam.
Austin mom, Pye Brown received a call from what she was told was a police officer, providing even a badge number and name.
According to KVUE-TV, Brown got the call from a 512 area code, claiming her child was in a car accident. Although she was told her daughter was fine physically and needed to be picked up, Brown could hear a crying voice from a child asking for her mama in the background. “A child got on the phone and was crying for their mama,” Brown told KVUE-TV.
It was at this point that her worst nightmare became a reality.
The man, who originally claimed to be a police officer told Brown he was holding her daughter hostage, which technically was not impossible since her child was with a nanny at the time. “He started using a harsh voice and told me that he used that story to get my attention and that my daughter was in the wrong place at the wrong time and that he had her,” Brown recalled.
“He claimed to be in a Mexican drug gang and that I need to listen carefully to his instructions.”
Understandably concerned, Brown requested a description of her daughter from the alleged kidnapper while at the same time, texted her nanny for confirmation that her child was safe. Thankfully, the nanny sent her a picture of her daughter, reassuring her that everything was fine. Suddenly, the man dropped the call.
“It was only seconds until I got confirmation that she was safe, but that everything just stood still,” Brown said.
Immediately after the scammer dropped the call Brown contacted 911 to file a police report. Since the incident the mother feels as though she has lost her sense of security and does not want other parents to experience what she did.
“I have to presume for my mental health that this was a fluke and that this person did not know specific details about me. But that’s possible, right?” she said.
“I’m relieved. I’ve been spooning my baby. Everything’s fine. So, like, my heart feels better and I feel like my family is safe.”
Watch it here:Youtube/KVUE
Sources: Westernjournal, Wltx, Kvue
