FBI issues nationwide warning: ‘Protect yourself’ from this growing scam
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is sounding the alarm on an evolving ransom and kidnapping scam using doctored images to secure payments from unknowing victims.
In this latest scheme, criminals are altering photos found on social media and other publicly available sites to use as fake "proof of life photos" to carry out ransom and kidnapping scams.
"The criminal actors pose as kidnappers and provide seemingly real photos or videos of victims along with demands for ransom payments," the agency warns.
Sometimes, criminals carrying out these crimes will purposely used timed feature images to limit how long targets can inspect the image.
How it works
Scammers will usually contact victims through text message and say they have kidnapped a victim's loved one and demand payment for their freedom.
Criminals will often threaten significant violence against the non-existent "hostage" if payments aren't made immediately.
"The criminal actor will then send what appears to be a genuine photo or video of the victim's loved one, which upon close inspection often reveals inaccuracies when compared to confirmed photos of the loved one," the agency said.
Inaccuracies may include missing tattoos, scars or disproportionate body parts.
What you can do
These scammers can see what you're posting online.
The agency warns that if you actually have a missing loved one and you chose to share that information online, be wary of scammers seeing this as an opportunity to contact you.
The agency suggests taking the following measures to protect yourself:
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Avoid providing personal information to strangers while traveling.
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Establish a code word only you or your loved ones know that you can use to communicate.
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If a scammer calls you — stop and think; do the kidnapper's claims make sense? Scammers portray a false sense of urgency.
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Screenshot or record proof of life photos whenever possible.
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Always try and contact your loved one before even considering paying ransom demands.
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Report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov .
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