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Cyber kidnapping is an extortion scheme in which a cybercriminal calls a target and says that they kidnapped a family member and demand money for the family member’s release. Sometimes they use AI to clone the family member’s voice or alter photographs to make it look like a family member is in danger. 

In a recent case, an international high school exchange student was contacted by cyber criminals and told that he had to isolate himself or his family would be harmed. The student disappeared without telling his homestay family and hid outside of town in a tent. The criminal then contacted the family of the student and said they had kidnapped him and demanded ransom money for his safe return. As the family was unable to reach their son, they paid a large sum of money to the supposed kidnappers.

Like other scams, the cyber kidnapper usually calls the target and insists on keeping them on the phone so they cannot contact the family member or police. 

CUPD Commander Eric Edford has some advice for you to share with your family. He suggests telling your family members that if they ever receive a call from someone saying you are kidnapped or in danger, they can always call CUPD to request a welfare check on you. From outside the U.S., they can call the CUPD non-emergency number 303-492-6666. In addition, if you receive a scam call, you or a friend can also call or text 9-1-1 to have police respond. Texting may be especially useful if you do not feel safe getting off the phone.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides the following advice to avoid becoming a victim:

“If you receive a phone call from someone demanding a ransom for an alleged kidnap victim, the following should be considered:

• In most cases, the best course of action is to hang up the phone.
• If you do engage the caller, don’t call out your loved one’s name.
• Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to your family member directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
• Ask questions only the alleged kidnap victim would know, such as the name of a pet. Avoid sharing information about yourself or your family.
• Listen carefully to the voice of the alleged victim if they speak.
• Attempt to contact the alleged victim via phone, text, or social media, and request that they call back from their cell phone.
• To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
• Don’t agree to pay a ransom, by wire or in person. Delivering money in person can be dangerous.”

For additional information, see the and this FBI flyer about Virtual Kidnapping.