Kidnapping Scam Targets Prince Georgians: Police

Bowie MD

14 May, 2021

1:02 PM

Description

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Police said scammers are calling Prince Georgians and pretending that they kidnapped their loved ones. They then demand ransoms that usually exceed $1,000, officers noted. The fraudsters ask their victims to wire the money internationally, an incident report indicated. The Prince George's County Police Department informed that six victims, some of whom paid, reported this scam in the past month. Five of those cases involved callers who spoke Spanish and targeted Spanish-speaking families, officers advised. Detectives think there are probably more victims who have not yet called the police. The press release explained that the fraudsters are checking the social media accounts of their victims to see if they have children. The write-up warned that the criminals then reference personal details, like nicknames or clothing items, to seem legitimate. Police suggested that residents do these things if the scammers contact them: Try to contact the allegedly kidnapped family member and verify their whereabouts. Be aware, the scammer may use another person to try to imitate the family member's voice over the phone, insinuating they are kidnapped.Immediately also contact and report this incident to the Prince George's County Police Department - even if you have verified your family member is safe. Please do not delete the number the scammer called from. Request a police report be written with the identified number in the report. Never pay a ransom unless under the direction of law enforcement. If you have been a victim of this scam, please call 911. Please always reach out to us if you feel a loved one is in danger, whether or not it's connected to a potential scam. A Spanish version of this story is available here. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. Download our mobile application from the App Store or Google Play. Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.