Police issued a renewed warning Friday about a phone scam to trick you into sending money to thieves.
According to Det. Matthew Malloy with Zone 2 Pittsburgh police, the victims range in age but the scam is one you may have heard: a stranger calls and says your loved one is hurt or kidnapped then demands money.
SCAM ALERT: Numerous complaints of a kidnapping/ransom phone scam have been reported. A key component of these scams involve the caller falsely claiming to have kidnapped a loved one. The caller will then attempt to convince the victim to send money. pic.twitter.com/lG8pp8EM91
— Pgh Police Zone 2 (@PghZone2) November 10, 2017
“Right now, we've had an increase in virtual kidnapping scams,” Malloy said. “What they do is surprise you and immediately start telling you, ‘Hey we have your loved one, we are holding him hostage at this time, I want $1,000 right now, you are going to wire transfer, I'm going to give you the account.’”
TRENDING NOW:
- Louis C.K. admits allegations of sexual misconduct are true
- Warning: Do NOT buy these gift cards this holiday season
- Police thought cheetah was running through Pa. city streets
- TONIGHT AT 5: Errors delay delivery of driving citations for years
- VIDEO: Child recovering in Pittsburgh hospital after swallowing fidget spinner battery
Police told Channel 11 these scammers are using your social media – your Facebook profile, for example – to mine information about your loved ones and then they are using it against you.
"They use speed and fear to get to the victim and they demand ransom money,” Malloy said.
If you receive one of these bogus calls, here's what police want you to do:
- Call loved ones to ensure they are safe.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Save all text messages you receive from the caller.
- Do not comply with any caller demands.
- Call 911 to report the criminal activity.
Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
