The FBI Warns of Virtual Kidnapping Scams Using Altered Images

In a recent public service announcement, the FBI has issued a warning about a new trend in virtual kidnapping scams. Criminals are manipulating images shared on social media to create fake proof of life photos, which they then use to deceive victims into paying ransom in exchange for their loved ones’ safety.

The scam involves criminals contacting victims via text message, claiming to have kidnapped a family member and demanding ransom payments. However, the FBI clarifies that virtual kidnapping scams do not involve any actual abduction. Instead, perpetrators use doctored images sourced from social networks and publicly available data to fabricate realistic scenarios that coerce victims into paying ransoms without verifying the safety of their family members.

The FBI cautions the public to be wary of scammers who employ tactics to create a sense of urgency and recommends scrutinizing the legitimacy of the kidnappers’ demands. To combat these scams, the FBI suggests several protective measures, including refraining from sharing personal information with strangers while traveling and establishing a unique code word within the family for emergency communications verification.

Furthermore, the FBI advises individuals to exercise caution when sharing information about missing persons online, as scammers may exploit this information to deceive people. The agency also recommends capturing screenshots or recording proof-of-life photos for future analysis during investigations, as scammers often use timed message features to limit victims’ time for scrutiny.

While the FBI has not disclosed the number of complaints related to virtual kidnapping scams filed with its Internet Crime Complaint Center, several instances have been reported where individuals were targeted by similar scams spoofing their loved ones’ phone numbers.

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