The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns the public about criminals altering photos found on social media or other publicly available sites to use as fake proof of life photos in virtual kidnapping for ransom scams. The criminal actors pose as kidnappers and provide seemingly real photos or videos of victims along with demands for ransom payments.
The Scam
Criminal actors typically will contact their victims through text message claiming they have kidnapped their loved one and demand a ransom be paid for their release. Oftentimes, the criminal actor will express significant claims of violence towards the loved one if the ransom is not paid 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. Examples of these inaccuracies include missing tattoos or scars and inaccurate body proportions. Criminal actors will sometimes purposefully send these photos using timed message features to limit the amount of time victims have to analyze the images.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- When posting missing person information online, be mindful that scammers may contact you with fake information regarding your loved one.
- Avoid providing personal information to strangers while traveling.
- Establish a code word only you or your loved ones know that you can use to communicate.
- Scammers portray a false sense of urgency. Stop and think; do the kidnapper’s claims make sense?
- Screenshot or record proof of life photos whenever possible.
- Always attempt to contact your loved one before considering paying any ransom demand.
Report It
If you believe you have been a victim of a virtual kidnapping scam, please report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. Be sure to submit as much information as possible about the interaction including phone numbers, payment information, text and audio communications, and proof of life photos.