A scam is targeting Spanish-speaking people in Arkansas, coercing them into paying a ransom to “free” a loved one they believe has been kidnapped, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the Little Rock FBI office.
The scammers have not kidnapped anyone, but use “deceptions and threats” to trick the victims into paying a ransom quickly “before the scheme is discovered,” the release said, noting families send “thousands of dollars” to the scammers before contacting law enforcement.
“Virtual kidnappings depend on speed, fear, and the expectation that victims won’t contact law enforcement,” FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge James A. Dawson said in the release.
“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,” he said.
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 codes in different states. The FBI’s investigation into these calls has determined that criminals are scanning social media accounts for people traveling out of the country.
These scammers then call the traveler’s loved ones, stating that the traveler is in danger or has been kidnapped. The criminals then request victims to send money as soon as possible, the release said.
“If you get this type of call — whether you think it’s an…
