Cyber Kidnapping is not actual, physical kidnapping, but a scam to extort money from victims, and there have been several cases in Western Washington schools recently. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently released a bulletin warning of an increase in so-called “cyber-kidnapping” cases nationwide. 

What happens is, the caller claims to have kidnapped a loved one and says they will hurt them if a ransom is not paid.  They then demand payment through the purchase of gift cards or a wire transfer. The FBI states these calls typically target those whose first language is not English. The calls are usually from another area code and are not from the “victim’s” phone.  The callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone so that you cannot call your loved one and/or law enforcement. 

The following is guidance for those who find themselves in this situation:

• Stay calm
• Ask to speak to the “victim” directly 
• Have a family safe word that is not easily discovered
• Ask the caller to answer questions only the “victim” would know
• Use alternative methods to contact the “victim”
• Report the incident to law enforcement

For additional information, visit the FBI site on cyber kidnapping.