You get a phone call. You’re told your loved one has been abducted and the caller demands ransom for their safe return. You may even hear screaming in the background.

You’re told to wire the money to a specific location – meanwhile, the caller tries to keep you on the phone so you cannot call police or anyone else.

For criminals, the success of a virtual kidnapping scam depends on speed and fear. They don’t want you to think rationally – and try to contact your loved one to make sure that they’re safe.

The FBI advises to look for these possible indicators:
– Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line.
– Calls do not come from the victim’s phone.
– Callers try to prevent you from contacting the “kidnapped” victim.
– Multiple successive phone calls.
– Incoming calls made from an outside area code.
– Demands for ransom money to be paid via wire transfer, not in person; ransom demands may drop quickly.

Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”

* If the callers don’t let you speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle the victim drives, if applicable.

* Attempt to call, text, or contact the alleged victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.

* While staying on the line with the alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.

* To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing. down the demand, or tell the caller you need additional time to meet their demands.

* Request the alleged kidnapper allow the victim to call you back from his/her cell phone.

Most importantly, notify the Sheriff’s Station or other local law enforcement agency at the earliest opportunity.