FBI warns of virtual kidnapping scams using fake photos and videos

Cybercriminals are going to new lengths to scam people – now in a way that could prove particularly distressing to some. The FBI warns that crooks are using altered social media images to make it look like they kidnapped a victim’s loved one and demand ransom payments.

Criminals now pose as kidnappers: they contact a victim, usually via text, and claim that they have taken their loved one. How do you save them? All as usual: pay a hefty ransom.

The agency adds that crooks may threaten fake victims with violence unless the person makes the payment immediately.

Following the initial text, threat actors will then send images or videos of the “kidnapped” loved one. These might seem genuine at first, but upon close inspection, victims may notice inaccuracies, such as missing tattoos or scars, or, more generally, inaccurate body proportions.

Criminals know that you might notice these, so they will sometimes send timed photos/videos to prevent victims from thoroughly examining them.

The FBI gives a few tips to protect yourself, such as: to be mindful when posting missing person details online (since scammers might contact you claiming they have information), avoid sharing personal information with strangers when traveling, establish a code word to communicate with loved ones, always attempt to contact your loved one before making any payments, and, as always, pause and think: does this whole situation make sense?

Victims are also recommended to take screenshots or record proof of life photos whenever possible.

The FBI urges citizens to report the incident if they believe that they’ve been a victim of a virtual kidnapping scam to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Along with your report, submit detailed information about the scam, such as phone numbers, payment information, all communication details, and proof of photos.

Virtual kidnapping scams have already been widespread for quite some time. Although the exact number of cases is hard to estimate, these instances are not isolated, and advances in technology mean that cyber kidnapping will continue to evolve and take new forms.