GRANT COUNTY, Wash. – The Grant County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents about a new scam involving text messages and social media direct messages that include violent images.
The scam, known as a virtual kidnapping, involves extortion attempts that may include a loved one’s voice or screaming. The messages often contain graphic images intended to scare victims into believing their loved ones are at risk. These images typically depict a dead body, implying that if the family doesn’t pay, their “kidnapped” loved one will face the same fate.
Authorities stress that this is a scam and urge the public not to send money to the scammers.
To help residents avoid falling victim to this scheme, the Sheriff’s Office provided several indicators to watch for. Incoming calls often come from outside area codes, such as those from Puerto Rico (787, 939, and 856). Calls do not originate from the alleged victim’s phone, and scammers make efforts to keep victims on the line and prevent them from contacting the “kidnapped” person.
Ransom payments are typically demanded via wire transfer service.
If you receive such a call, officials recommend trying to slow the situation down. Request to speak directly with the victim and ask questions like, “How do I know my loved one is okay?” If the callers refuse, ask them to describe the victim or the car they drive.
Scammers may use artificial intelligence to mimic the victim’s voice, so listen carefully if the “victim” speaks. They also suggest attempting to contact the alleged victim through other means, such as social media, or try to call them from another phone while staying on the line with the scammers.
If you receive such a call, authorities advise slowing the situation down, keeping calm, and notifying your local police department at the earliest opportunity.
