GARDEN CITY, Kan. (KSNW) — A fake kidnapping scam has shown up again in Kansas.
Garden City Police say the scam has resurfaced in their community. Police say a local mother reported receiving a phone call where they heard their daughter cry for help, and then a voice claiming to be part of the “cartel” demanded a ransom for their safe release.
The scam has been around for decades, but with the advent of new technology, the virtual kidnapping has become more sophisticated. Some scammers have begun using AI programs to mimic people’s voices, lending credibility to the scam.
In this case, Garden City Police say the mother was able to confirm that her daughter was safe and no money was lost. Police say you should take these steps if you receive a call from someone claiming they have taken a loved one:
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Stay calm: scammers use fear and panic to get you to comply
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Contact your loved one directly through other means. If you are not able to reach them, contact family and friends to see if they know where they may be.
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Protect your information: don’t share personal details, agree to meet or send money.
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Report the call immediately to local law enforcement.
Other tips to help avoid becoming a scam victim include checking your privacy settings on social media and limiting the information you share about your life on these platforms. Scammers often gather information about their targets through social media.
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For more scam and safety tips from the FBI, click here.
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