The FBI is warning of a kidnapping hoax scam targeting western Pennsylvania residents in the past week.
More than 450 calls have been made from Mexico to the 724 area code. The FBI Pittsburgh office says the scammers are scanning social media accounts to find people from this area who are traveling to the American southwest, then calling those peoples’ relatives and telling them their loved ones are in danger or have been kidnapped. They then request money be sent as soon as possible.
The FBI says the scammers are very convincing, but you should not be fooled. They suggest that if you get a call, be calm and resist the pressure to act quickly, get as much information as possible – including the phone number if you can – and forwarding that information on to your local police. And, of course, call the supposedly kidnapped relative to verify that they’re okay. It is recommended that you not send money.
You can report the phony kidnapping call to the FBI at the internet complaint center at IC3.gov, or call 800-225-5324 (CALL-FBI).
Comments