Scammers trick victims into thinking loves ones have been kidnapped
By News Staff
A new scam is using social media to trick victims into thinking their loved ones have been kidnapped.
Providence Police are now warning Rhode Islanders of the scam after it’s been recently reported in surrounding areas.
Scammers use social media to get personal information about their future victims, including where they live, the cars they drive, their names, and their family members’ names.
The scammers then call a target and tell him or her that a family member or friend was involved in a car accident and is being held captive until money is sent for ransom.
During that process, the scammers record parts of the conversation, and instruct the victim to say specific phrases. They then call family members of that person and tell them he or she has been in an accident and is being held captive, using the voice recordings to play back for the victim.
Technology used by the scammers allows them to call victims from specific phone numbers, including those belonging to targets.
If you receive a call of this nature, you are asked to call police at 401-272-1111.
© WLNE-TV 2016
