FBI, NYPD Warn Of 'Virtual Kidnapping' Scam
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The FBI and NYPD are warning New York City residents about a frightening telephone scam.
In the "virtual kidnapping" scheme, a caller claims that the victim's loved one has been kidnapped or that the person was involved in some kind of accident with a gang member and is now in danger.
Authorities said the caller will take the next step to frighten by having someone scream in the background, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported.
"They keep saying the name and say how much danger they're in and say how they're going hurt the person unless that person that they called wires them some type of money," NYPD Det. Michael Gildea told CBS2's Jessica Schneider.
The caller then demands money be wired immediately.
The asking price ranges from $600 to nearly $2,000.
Richard Frankel, of the FBI's Criminal Division, said the calls are "usually directed at older members of our society."
Authorities caution the calls are from out of state, often Puerto Rico.
The callers generally have Hispanic accents, Papa reported.
"This is a scheme that takes advantage of some of the most vulnerable people in New York City," said FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge George Venizelos. "We need the public to be aware of this scam and call us if they have been a victim."
Police say if this happens to you, try to slow the conversation down and get more details.
"Demand that they give you the loved one's middle name. Try and get them to put you on the phone with the loved one," Gildea said.
"The New York City Police Department, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, continually seeks preventive measures to ensure the public is both safe and well informed," said NYPD Police Commissioner Bill Bratton. "We encourage the community to immediately contact the police if they encounter any calls that require a ransom for kidnapping."
Authorities said there have been dozens of cases in recent months.
People CBS2 spoke with are on alert.
"I'd say, 'Wait a minute, you have to give me more information, what is this all about?'" Veronica Jackson said.
"What I think happens is they prey on your emotion," Mike Dorn said.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call is asking to contact the FBI or police at 800-577-TIPS.
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