GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The Greenville Police Department is warning residents of a virtual kidnapping scam.
Officers explained that virtual kidnapping is a form of extortion in which scammers use fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to trick people into sending money for a loved one who may not be in any danger.
According to the department, scammers may use the following methods:
- Artificial intelligence to imitate loved one’s voices
- Details from social media to make their story sound believable
- Edited images or videos to make the alleged kidnapping seem real
- Demanding immediate payment
- Spoofing the call to appear to come from a loved one
Police remind residents who receive a scam call to stay calm, not send money, and contact their loved ones directly to verify their safety. Anyone who believes someone may be in legitimate danger should immediately call law enforcement…