A frantic mother called 911 just after midnight, convinced her daughter had been kidnapped after a coworker received chilling ransom demands via text.
The messages claimed the woman’s daughter had been abducted and demanded payment for her safe return. Adding to the fear, the mother also received bizarre photos of a man wearing headphones—images that seemed to make no sense. To make matters worse, a strange vehicle was seen circling their workplace, intensifying the panic.
Police responded to the scene, but after investigating, they determined no immediate action was necessary. The ordeal left the mother shaken, but she may have been the target of a ransom scam—a growing crime designed to prey on fear.
How Ransom Scams Work
Criminals behind these scams use spoofed numbers, stolen social media info, and psychological manipulation to convince victims that a loved one is in danger. They often demand fast payment through Venmo, Cash App, or untraceable gift cards before victims have time to verify the claims. Some even use AI-generated voice clips to mimic the supposed victim’s voice.
What to Do if You Get a Ransom Scam Call or Text:
- Stay calm and try to contact the alleged victim directly.
- Do not send money—scammers rely on fear-driven decisions.
- Ask questions only the real person would know.
- Report it to law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Scammers are getting more sophisticated—but awareness is the best defense.