Kidnapping Scammers Targeting Western PA: FBI

Pittsburgh PA

18 January, 2022

3:29 PM

Description

PITTSBURGH, PA — The FBI's Pittsburgh office is warning of a kidnapping scam targeting people in the 724 area code in western Pennsylvania. More than 450 calls were made last week by someone living in Mexico to people with that area code. According to the FBI, people in Mexico are scanning social media accounts for people traveling in the Southwest border area. They are then calling the travelers loved ones in the 724 area. During each of the calls, the caller states the person's loved one is in danger or has been kidnapped. The caller then requests victims to send money as soon as possible. The FBI advises people to never give out any financial information to someone over the phone you don't know. The bureau is asking the public to alert family members to this fraud, especially if they are older. Many times, these scammers are convincing, and their actions are criminal. According to the FBI, the experience is traumatic for the victims, especially since these scammers sound very real. The FBI says that if you receive this type of call, remain calm and resist the pressure to act quickly. Get as much information as possible, including the phone number, if possible, of the caller. Hang up and call a family member to verify the information or call a trusted friend to ask for help. Report the call to your local police department or the FBI. If you are still convinced you need to withdraw the money, talk to the manager at your bank and ask for guidance. Never wire money, especially overseas, based on a request made over the phone or in an email. Once you send it, you can't get it back. The FBI continues to work with other state, local, federal and international law enforcement partners to find and arrest the people responsible for these crimes. The public to report these scam calls, even if the scammers are not given any money. A complaint can be filed at IC3.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI. Be the first to know what's happening in your community and region. With a free Patch subscription, you'll always be up to date on local and state news: https://patch.com/subscribe.