A virtual kidnapping goes something like this: an employee (yes they target businesses also) or family member’s cell phone and/or wallet/purse is lost or stolen. The person(s) who stole it or finds it use the personal information on the cell phone or in the wallet/purse to contact the family or business, stating that they have kidnapped the employee or family member and demand a quick ransom. The virtual kidnapper will usually call using the person’s cell phone if they have possession of it so it will appear that they have actually kidnapped the employee or family member. There may be screaming in the background or other noises that make it sound like they have kidnapped the employee or family member. While the use of the person’s cell phone is the most prevalent method, the personal information found in the wallet or purse can provide enough information for the virtual kidnapper to sound convincing no matter what phone they use to call. This type of scam is especially prevalent in Mexico, but it can happen anywhere a cell phone or personal information has been stolen or lost.
The following comes from a press release from the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding a phenomena called: “Virtual Kidnapping” (or “Virtual Kidnappers”). Its something that beginning to trend more and more often in the press I’m noticing.
Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers do not intend to physically detain their victims. Instead, through various deceptions and threats of violence, they coerce individuals to isolate themselves from their families to extract a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart.
“Jose Ramirez, a retired New York police officer and ultra-fit triathlete, is an unlikely victim. But last December in Cancun, Mexico, after completing an Ironman competition, he was tricked into believing his life was in danger. Like an increasing number of U.S. citizens on both sides of the border, Ramirez was the target of an extortion scheme known as virtual kidnapping.
Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers do not intend to physically detain their victims. Instead, through various deceptions and threats of violence, they coerce individuals to isolate themselves from their families—or make families believe that their loved ones are being held—all to extract a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart.
| Avoid Becoming a VictimFor criminals, the success of any type of virtual kidnapping depends on speed and fear. They know they only have a short time to exact a ransom payment before the victims and their families unravel the scam or authorities become involved. There are several possible indicators you can look for to avoid becoming a victim.- View tips to avoid being victimized |
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“Victims of virtual kidnappings are scared for their lives, and so are their families,” said Special Agent Brian Wittenberg, a member of our International Violent Crimes Unit at FBI Headquarters who has worked many of these cases.
Although these extortion schemes have been around for many years, their numbers are on the rise, and the criminals’ tactics are becoming more sophisticated. “It’s big business for them, and they do it well,” Wittenberg said. “Since the threat is continuing to evolve, the FBI wants to raise public awareness to help individuals from becoming victims.” (See sidebar.)
After completing the rigorous Ironman—a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and marathon run—the 73-year-old Ramirez returned to his hotel room in the evening, called his wife at home in Nevada, and went to sleep. Around 1 a.m., the phone rang in his room. A man claiming to be a member of the Zetas, a ruthless drug cartel, said Ramirez was being “fined” $10,000.
They knew his name and information about him, possibly from accomplices at the hotel. “They were very believable, and they were making threats,” Ramirez said, recalling the threats: “If you don’t listen to us, we are going to put drugs in your hotel room and you’re going to rot in jail in Mexico. Or we will just put a pistol to your head and kill you.”
| The Evolution of Virtual KidnappingYears ago, criminals carrying out virtual kidnappings used simple tactics. They might wait at a Mexican bus station and spot an American’s luggage nametag that included a home address and phone number. If the tourist got on a nonstop bus for a five-hour trip during which there was no cell phone service, the criminals knew they had that window of time to execute the scheme by contacting family members in the U.S., convincing them their loved ones were in danger, and demanding a ransom be paid by wire transfer.Today, the schemes can involve accomplices in tourist hotels, telemarketing-style cold calls, money handlers, and phone techniques such as three-way calling that lead families and law enforcement to believe that victims have been physically detained.
Recently, virtual kidnappers cold-called hundreds of numbers in Texas—likely using directories and other phone lists—to target American physicians, banking that at least some of those contacted with family or connections in Mexico would fall for the scam. “The FBI responds to all reports of U.S. citizens being taken hostage, whether virtual or traditional,” said Special Agent Brian Wittenberg. “The virtual kidnappers are savvy and prepared, and one of our goals is to make sure the public is prepared as well.” He added, “The criminals’ tactics are constantly evolving, but the hallmark of any virtual kidnapping is always the same—preying on people’s worst fears.” |
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What followed for Ramirez was a nearly three-day ordeal in which he was instructed to change hotels, buy a new cell phone—so his wife could not reach him—and withdraw money from the bank. “And don’t forget, we are watching you,” he was told. Eventually, his wife contacted local law enforcement who, in turn, called the FBI. With the help of Mexican police, Ramirez was recovered unharmed.
Although millions of Americans safely visit Mexico each year for business and pleasure, they can be targets for virtual kidnappers. “People with family and connections in Mexico and communities on both sides of the border have legitimate fears of the gangs and drug cartels and how violent they are,” said a member of our Crisis Negotiation Unit who has worked many hostage situations. “That fear plays into the hands of the virtual kidnappers,” he said. “They use it to their advantage.”
“If you think you are a victim, get to a place that feels safe, and then call someone who can help,” said the crisis negotiator. “If you are a family member or loved one getting ransom calls, remember that you have more power than you think, because you have the money that the kidnappers want.” He added that while some families think they can handle these situations alone, the FBI—which is the lead investigative agency when a U.S. citizen is taken hostage overseas—stands ready to offer its expertise and guidance to frightened families. “We can help,” he said.
Resources:
– San Antonio press release
– Houston press release
FBI Tips:
Avoid Becoming a Victim of Virtual Kidnapping
In one example of virtual kidnapping, criminals targeted the parents of a young woman traveling in Mexico—whose phone and contact information they had stolen—and told the family they would cut off her fingers unless money was wired to them immediately. A female accomplice screamed in the background for effect. (The woman whose phone was taken was never in danger, and didn’t know of the scheme until she contacted her family later.)
For criminals, the success of any type of virtual kidnapping depends on speed and fear. They know they only have a short time to exact a ransom payment before the victims and their families unravel the scam or authorities become involved.
To avoid becoming a victim, look for these possible indicators:
- Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line.
- Calls do not come from the victim’s phone.
- Callers try to prevent you from contacting the “kidnapped” victim.
- Multiple successive phone calls.
- Incoming calls made from an outside area code.
- Demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer, not in person; ransom demands may drop quickly.
If you receive a phone call from someone demanding a ransom for an alleged kidnap victim, the following course of action should be considered:
- Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
- Ask questions only the victim would know, such as the name of a pet. Avoid sharing information about you or your family.
- Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim if they speak.
- Attempt to call, text, or contact the victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.
- To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
- Don’t directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.
If you believe you are a victim—like Jose Ramirez—FBI crisis negotiators suggest that you try to make contact with family members as quickly as possible, and get yourself to a place that feels safe.
If you have any question about whether a ransom demand is a scheme or a legitimate kidnapping, contact your nearest FBI office immediately. Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. All tipsters may remain anonymous.
See related articles: The Virtual Kidnapping Crime Wave http://www.forbes.com/…/…/the-virtual-kidnapping-crime-wave/
Tips for what to do if you are a victim of Virtual Kidnapping:
Steps to Protect Against Virtual Kidnappings
A number of the measures listed below will also help protect against identity theft if they are properly implemented. The key is in reducing the amount of information available to anyone interested in using it unlawfully.
- Clean Out Your Cell Phone –This means removing all the generic names you have on your contact list such as “home,” “wife,” “family,” “office,” etc. Replace them with real names so it makes it harder for a virtual kidnapper to call the right place to demand a ransom. This also means keeping your call history deleted on a regular basis. The frequency you call a number is a good indicator that it is a loved one or your place of business.
- Password Protect Your Cell Phone– Always password protect your phone if you have the capability. This will help protect your contact information so than no one can access your contact numbers.
- Clean out Your Wallet/Purse – Remove any unnecessary information, ID cards, pictures, etc. Pictures of loved ones with identifying names on the backs of the pictures can be a great source of information for a virtual kidnapper.
- Watch What Information You Give Out – As the saying goes, “loose lips sinks ships.” When traveling, be careful what information you give out about yourself or your business to people you don’t know. They may not have the best of intentions.
In the case of a virtual kidnapping, if you are the one that receives a ransom call, do not be afraid to ask for “proof of life”.
See article: On the subtleties of establishing “proof of life” during a hostage negotiation for ransom https://groundreport.com/on-the-subtleties-of-establishing-…/