Scams and fraudulent schemes have become part of the territory as we evolve into an online community. They come in all shapes and sizes. Recently, a local resident received a call that one of their loved ones had been kidnapped. The suspect advised the resident not to call the police or he would kill the gentleman’s wife. A woman could be heard screaming in the background.
Regardless of the initial contact, these scams follow the same protocol. The suspect demands to stay on the phone and payment is expected, usually in the form of gift cards or bitcoin. The suspect will want to stay on the phone while the victim goes to the store or bank to arrange payment of the ransom.
The local intended victim was brave and contacted police through another channel. When the officer arrived, she contacted the victim’s wife and verified that she was safe. Once the suspect realized that his scam was not going to go through, he hung up. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Prescott Valley Police Department urges all residents if they should find themselves in a similar situation, to take a moment to think before they act out of fear. These suspects prey upon fears and use the sense of urgency to pull people into their scams. Find some way to contact the “kidnapped” loved one and verify that they are safe before sending suspects money. When a suspect’s scam is successful, they become emboldened to victimize someone else.
Prescott Valley Police Department can be contacted at (928) 772-9267 for non-emergencies, 911 for emergencies. Yavapai Silent witness is 1-800-932-3232. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!
1 thought on “Kidnapping Ransom Scam Alert – Prescott Valley Police”
As sad as the elderly who loose their skill to rationally reason through such an emotional episode is, it important for family to identify this and arrange for the power of attorney for fiscal control of the elderly relative. This would remove the approval process from the person called.
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