TechNaduDec 6

The FBI is warning about virtual kidnapping scams using altered proof-of-life images sourced from public social media to pressure families into ransom payments.

These manipulated photos often contain subtle inconsistencies and are paired with urgency tactics such as timed messages.

Key precautions include establishing family code words, verifying contact with loved ones, and documenting any suspicious images or communication.

Source: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA251205

💬 What are the most effective ways to help families identify manipulated media quickly?
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#InfoSec #CyberSafety #DigitalManipulation #ScamAwareness #VirtualKidnapping #FraudPrevention #PublicSafety #SecurePractices #TechNadu

Trench ReynoldsJan 3, 2024

#Missing teen targeted in international #virtualkidnapping #scam

#scams #scammers

https://wp.me/p7t3mm-2vv

Missing student victim of kidnapping scam

By Greg Collier Over the weekend, you may have heard the story about the 17-year-old exchange student who was reported missing in Utah. He was found in a tent in the freezing Utah wilderness. Thankfully, he had not been abducted, nor had he been physically harmed. Instead, he was told to isolate himself by scammers


Trench ReynoldsOct 19, 2023

New #VirtualKidnapping #scam puts victims in real danger

#scams #scammers

https://wp.me/p7t3mm-2sH

New kidnapping scam crosses the line from virtual

By Greg Collier If you don't know how the virtual kidnapping scam works, it can be terrifying for those it victimizes. In this scam, victims receive a phone call from scammers who tell the victim they've kidnapped a loved one. Often, the scammers will have someone screaming in the background to make it sound like


Trench ReynoldsSep 7, 2023

#VirtualKidnapping #scams are even more terrifying with #AI

#scam #scammers

https://wp.me/p7t3mm-2q5

Kidnapping scam brings terror to family | Greg's Corner

By Greg Collier For the better part of this year, we've been warning our readers about scams that use AI mimicked voices of your loved ones. Typically, these spoofed voices are used in the grandparent scam and the virtual kidnapping scam. In these scams, it's crucial for the scammers to make their victims believe that


gtbarryJun 8, 2023

How I Nearly Fell for a Frightening ‘Virtual Kidnapping’ Scam

Virtual kidnapping: Start with fear, follow with an authority figure to gain my trust and then pivot to the threat. As much as I pride myself on critical thinking skills, it worked with me.

Knowledge is power but emotions can be even more powerful.

#VirtualKidnapping #deepfake #scam #scams #socialengineering #cybercrime #technology #tech

https://connectsafely.org/how-i-nearly-fell-for-a-frightening-virtual-kidnapping-scam/

How I Nearly Fell for a Frightening 'Virtual Kidnapping' Scam - ConnectSafely

I was impacted by a scam this week that didn’t cost me money or expose my data, but did take an enormous emotional toll, including 20 minutes of terror.

ConnectSafely
BC Info BotDec 21, 2022
Global News BC: RCMP renew ‘virtual kidnapping’ warning after international student scammed in Burnaby https://globalnews.ca/news/9363777/rcmp-renew-virtual-kidnapping-warning/ #globalnews #britishcolumbia #news #Virtualkidnappingscam #InternationalStudent #Virtualkidnapping #burnabyrcmp #Fraudsters #Scammers #Burnaby #Crime #Fraud #News #Scam
RCMP renew ‘virtual kidnapping’ warning after international student scammed in Burnaby

Police say the victim was tricked into making fake hostage videos and also scammed out of "tens of thousands of dollars."

Global News