Associated Incidents
Two individuals in our Highline community have reported that they were targeted by kidnapping scams. We are sharing information to help our families and staff stay vigilant and safe.
Both incidents involved scammers falsely claiming they kidnapped a family member. The scammers played AI (artificial intelligence) generated audio recording of the family member, then demanded a ransom. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has noted a nationwide increase in these scams, with a particular focus on families who speak a language other than English.
The scammers typically use phone numbers from different area codes and try to keep victims on the phone, so they can't contact their loved ones or the authorities.
If you receive a call, stay calm and think critically. Here are steps to take:
- Request to Speak to the Alleged Victim: Ask the caller to let you speak *directly *with your loved one.
- Use a Family Safe Word: Establish a safe word with your family that only you know, making it harder for scammers to succeed.
- Ask Personal Questions: Request the caller to answer questions only the supposed victim would know.
- Try Other Communication Methods: Use different ways to reach out to the alleged victim to confirm their safety.
- Report to Authorities: Inform law enforcement about the incident immediately.
- Do Not Pay the Ransom: Do not pay the ransom, whether it be through gift cards, cash or wire transfer.