The Susanville Police Department issued a warning to area residents Wednesday regarding an increase in “virtual kidnapping for ransom” scams being reported within the community.
According to a press release from the department, local law enforcement has seen a rise in a specific variation of this scam, where criminals use digital manipulation to trick families into believing a loved one is in immediate danger.
How the Scam Works
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has noted that criminal actors are now harvesting photos from social media or other public websites and altering them to create “fake proof of life.” These photos or videos are sent to victims to make the kidnapping claims appear legitimate.
Typically, the scammer will contact a victim via phone call or text message, claiming to have kidnapped a family member. They often demand immediate ransom payment and make graphic threats of violence if the money isn’t sent.
To add a sense of realism, the scammer provides the manipulated image. However, the Susanville Police Department notes that close inspection often reveals inaccuracies, such as missing tattoos, scars, or distorted body proportions. Scammers frequently use “timed” or disappearing message features to prevent the victim from having enough time to analyze the photo and spot the edits.
Tips to Protect Yourself
The Susanville Police Department and the FBI offer the following advice to avoid falling victim to these high-pressure tactics:
Establish a Code Word: Create a secret word or phrase known only to family members that can be used to verify identities during an emergency.
Attempt Direct Contact: Always try to call or text your loved one directly before considering any ransom payment.
Be Skeptical of Urgency: Scammers rely on fear and a false sense of urgency. Stop and think—do the claims make sense?
Be Mindful of Social Media: When posting information online, especially regarding missing persons, be aware that scammers may use those details to target you.
Document Everything: If possible, screenshot or record any “proof of life” photos or messages sent by the scammers.
Limit Personal Info: Avoid sharing personal details with strangers, particularly while traveling.
How to Report
If you believe you have been targeted by a virtual kidnapping scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
When filing a report, provide as much detail as possible, including the phone numbers used, payment instructions given, copies of text or audio communications and any photos sent by the scammers.
