June 14- With Cyber Crime Cell of Goa police receiving several complains from parents that they are receiving phone calls demanding money claiming that their child has been kidnapped or is in police custody, the Cell has issued an advisory regarding the scam known as virtual kidnapping or cyber kidnapping. The phone calls are often from numbers with a foreign country code such as +92 (Pakistan) or any other foreign country number generated through VPN, Police have asked Goans not to fall prey to such fraudsters and report the matter to local police or cybercrime cell and also report on https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/Home/sfc-complaint.jsp to permanently block scammers number.
Advisory regarding Cyber scam related to child kidnapping known as virtual kidnapping or cyber kidnapping
These days state Cyber Police station is in receipt of complaints from parents that they are receiving phone call that their child has been kidnapped or is in police custody etc. and further demanding money for their release.This type of scam is known as a “cyber/virtual kidnapping” scam. Here’s how it typically works:
1. Initial Contact : The scammer calls the target (in this case, parents) from a number, often with a foreign country code such as +92 (Pakistan) or any other foreign country number generated through VPN.
2. Threat : The scammer claims that their child has been kidnapped, involved in an accident, or is in police custody etc.
3. Demand for Money : The scammer then demands money in exchange for the child’s safety or release, often creating a sense of urgency and fear to compel the parents to act quickly without verifying the information.
4. Emotional Manipulation : The scammer may use specific details or background noises to make the threat seem more credible.
Steps for Parents to Take
1. Stay Calm : It’s crucial to remain calm and composed.
2. Verify the Claim : Try to contact the child directly through their known phone number or via other family members or friends.
3. Do Not Pay : Avoid sending any money or complying with the scammer’s demands.
4. Document the Call : Take note of the caller’s number, the time of the call, and any details of the conversation.
5. Report to Authorities : Contact local police or cybercrime units to report the incident. They can provide guidance and investigate the matter further. Report the said incident on https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/Home/sfc-complaint.jsp portal developed by Department of Telecommunications to block the said phone number permanently so that it can’t target any other victim.
6. Inform Others : Raise awareness among friends and family to prevent them from falling victim to similar scams.
Preventive Measures
1. Privacy Settings : Adjust privacy settings on social media to limit who can see personal information.
2. Educate Family Members : Inform all family members about such scams and encourage them to be cautious with unsolicited calls.
3. Use Call Blocking : Consider using call-blocking features or apps to block suspicious numbers, especially those from high-risk country codes.
By staying vigilant and informed, parents can better protect themselves and their children from such fraudulent schemes.
