Officials say the scheme tricks victims into paying a ransom to “free” a loved one they claimed has been kidnapped.
ARKANSAS, USA — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Little Rock is investigating a virtual kidnapping scam targeting Spanish-speaking individuals in Arkansas.
According to officials, the scheme tricks victims over the phone into paying money to “free” a loved one they claim has been kidnapped, when in fact, the scammers have not kidnapped anyone.
The scammer uses “deceptions and threats” to coerce individuals to quickly pay the ransom before the scheme is discovered, according to the FBI. On average, families send thousands of dollars to criminals before contacting law enforcement.
“Virtual kidnappings depend on speed, fear, and the expectation that victims won’t contact law enforcement,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson. “Scammers know they only have a limited time to receive a ransom before their plot unravels. We want potential victims to contact the FBI immediately so we can identify and disrupt these criminal enterprises.”
Over the past several months, FBI offices across the United States have seen numerous calls originating out of Central America and Mexico targeting specific area…
