‘Virtual kidnapping' scam targeting families

A phone scam targeting families uses information obtained through social media to convince people that their loved one has been abducted, NBC News reported.

Known as “virtual kidnapping,” hoaxers use the social media information to try and trick the people they call. It has even gone so far as a recording that sounds like the loved one is on the line.

If you want to receive BREAKING ALERTS, please download our WPXI News App.  You can also follow WPXI on Facebook and Twitter.

The callers demand money immediately, working to keep people on the phone and have funds wired to them before finding out their loved one was never taken, according to NBC News.

Police urge anyone who receives a call like this to hang up immediately and call police. Never say your loved one’s name or give any information that could be used to trick you into thinking the hoax is real.

TRENDING NOW:

Cox Media Group