FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Fargo police are warning about a kidnapping phone scam where the person on the other end of the phone says they are holding a family member for ransom.
In the case reported Wednesday, the caller told the Fargo woman they had her daughter. The mother thought it was a scam but then heard a young female voice that sounded like her daughter and then thought it could be true. Police were able to confirm her daughter was safe and the call was a scam.
The FBI says in many cases, the criminals identify themselves as members of a drug cartel or corrupt law enforcement and make demands to pay a ransom which is only accepted via a wire transfer service. Many of these callers are outside the U.S., making hundreds of calls, possibly using phone directories or other phone lists.
The FBI says to avoid becoming a victim of this extortion scheme, look for the following possible indicators:
May involve multiple phone calls
Calls do not come from the kidnapped victim’s phone
Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone
Callers prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim
Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service
If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a ransom for a kidnapped victim, the following should be considered:
Stay Calm.
Try to slow the situation down.
Avoid sharing information about you or your family during the call.
Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
Request the kidnapped victim call back from his/her cell phone
Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim if they speak and ask questions only they would know.
If they don’t let you speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle they drive, if applicable.
While staying on the line with alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.
Attempt to text or contact the victim via social media.
Attempt to physically locate the victim.
To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
Don’t directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.
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