Shelley Polansky
A version of the family/friend emergency scam is spreading, upping the urgency while making it easier to disguise the scammer. The family/friend emergency scam, which also used to be called the “grandparent” scam, involves a scammer posing as a friend or family member who is in some trouble, such as being arrested or losing documents in a foreign country. The scammer requests that money be wired immediately. Scammers often use social media information to create a plausible story and will sometimes use fake or hacked accounts on social media platforms to contact targets.
In this new variation, the scammer is posing not as the loved one themselves, but as a kidnapper who has abducted the friend or family member and is holding them for ransom. The ransom is demanded in the form of a wire transfer, money card, or gift cards, and includes the threat that the abductee will be harmed if the target does not comply immediately.
Scammers have a lot of tools to make the scam more convincing. They can spoof phone numbers to make it appear that they are calling from a loved one’s phone, as if they have abducted them. They can also use information from social media to provide convincing details.
If you receive a call, the best advice is to simply hang up. If you feel you need to engage with the caller, authorities have these tips:
• Try to contact the alleged victim discreetly, such as texting them or having someone else call them.
• If you need more time, ask the caller to repeat their demands, saying you are writing down the specifics.
• Ask for proof of life or proof of safety. If they offer to let you talk to the victim, listen carefully as the “kidnapper” might also try to play the role of the victim.
If you ask questions, try to make it something only the ‘victim’ would know, but do not reveal any sensitive information about your family.
Setting up a ‘password’ that only family members know is a good safety practice generally, and can help you avoid this scam.
Do not send ransom money either electronically, through the mail, or in-person. In-person exchanges are especially dangerous.
If you suspect it is a real kidnapping, contact law enforcement.
~ Shelley Polansky, VP Communications, BBB Serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming.