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  Geebo 8:00 am on September 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: cartel scam ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), virtual kidnapping   

  Cartel Phone Scam Targets Families 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Police in Rio Rancho have issued a warning after reports of frightening phone calls from individuals pretending to be members of a criminal cartel. The callers claimed to have abducted children and demanded payment for their safe return. Parents who received these calls described hearing screams in the background, leading them to believe their children were in danger. Investigators later confirmed that all of the children thought to have been taken were safe and accounted for.

  This type of fraud is also sometimes known as the virtual kidnapping scam. In these cases, scammers create the illusion of a kidnapping by using background noise such as screaming, combined with pressure tactics that demand immediate payment. They rely on fear to convince their targets to send money before realizing that no abduction has actually occurred. Scammers also frequently disguise their phone numbers to make them appear local or even spoof numbers belonging to schools or government agencies. This tactic makes the call more believable and increases the chance that victims will panic and respond.

  While Rio Rancho police are warning their community, virtual kidnapping scams have been reported across the United States for years. Criminals have targeted travelers, college students, and bilingual families, often tailoring their approach to maximize fear and urgency. The trend shows that these calls are not confined to one location and can affect almost anyone.

  Authorities are reminding the public that these calls are designed to manipulate and terrorize victims into acting quickly without verifying the claims. Families are urged to remain calm, attempt to contact their loved ones directly, and notify law enforcement if they receive such a call. Experts also recommend that families establish code words or prearranged signals that can help confirm safety in an emergency. They further advise avoiding wire transfers, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency transactions in response to demands, since these payment methods are difficult to trace and are frequently used in fraud schemes.

   

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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 18, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), SWAT ( 2 ), Swatting, virtual kidnapping   

  Scam Call Sparks SWAT Standoff 

  

  By Greg Collier

  An incident in Austin, Texas, this week highlighted the growing sophistication of scam calls that can both frighten families and divert police resources.

  Two sisters were targeted in what authorities believe may have been either a swatting attempt or a complex scam. One received a call that appeared to come from her sibling’s phone number. On the line, however, was a man claiming to have abducted her sister. The caller threatened violence if immediate action was not taken, creating a situation designed to provoke panic.

  Alarmed, the woman contacted 911. Within minutes, the Austin Police Department’s SWAT team responded to the address where her sister lived. Officers arrived prepared for a potential hostage situation, only to quickly determine that no threat existed. Authorities confirmed the call was a hoax and are investigating whether it was part of a broader scam operation.

  The situation fits a pattern known as a “virtual kidnapping.” In these scams, criminals falsely claim to have abducted a loved one in order to demand money or force compliance. Technology makes these schemes more convincing, with scammers now able to spoof caller IDs and even use artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of family members. By combining threats with what appears to be proof that a relative is in distress, the calls can feel terrifyingly real.

  Experts also warn that swatting calls, whether financially motivated or not, carry serious risks. Across the country, there have been incidents where false reports led to armed police responses that resulted in injuries and even deaths. By convincing authorities that a violent crime is underway, callers not only terrorize their victims but also put residents and officers in immediate danger.

  Authorities recommend that residents protect themselves by setting up family code words, avoiding oversharing personal information on social media, and remaining calm if they receive such a call. They stress that legitimate emergencies will never require immediate payments or secrecy and that anyone who receives a threatening or urgent call should contact police immediately.

  While this incident ended without injury, it underscores the risks posed by these schemes. In addition to terrifying individuals, such calls draw heavily on emergency resources. The Austin case serves as a reminder that scammers are increasingly blending old tactics with new technology to manipulate their targets.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 12, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), virtual kidnapping, voice spoofing ( 23 )   

  AI Scam Calls: When Voices Lie 

  

  By Greg Collier

  A terrifying new scam is targeting families across Georgia and beyond, leaving parents in a state of panic. It starts with a phone call, an urgent plea from a loved one, their voice unmistakable, filled with fear. But law enforcement is issuing a warning. It’s all a hoax.

  One Georgia father experienced this horror firsthand. The call came unexpectedly, his son’s voice screaming, “Dad!” Before he could even process what was happening, the voice on the other end was begging for help, claiming to be in serious trouble. The panic set in immediately, his son’s voice, tone, and mannerisms were all perfect. There was no reason to doubt it.

  As the conversation continued, the situation became more sinister. When he began to question what was happening, the person on the other end turned aggressive, making terrifying threats. They claimed they would harm him, break into his home, and even kill his family. In those moments, fear and confusion took over, making it nearly impossible to think logically.

  It wasn’t until he managed to confirm that his son was safe that the awful truth became clear, he had been scammed. Though no money was lost, the emotional impact was lasting. Even after the call ended, he found himself on edge, constantly aware of his surroundings, shaken by the experience.

  Law enforcement officials confirm that cases like this are becoming more common. Scammers are now using advanced artificial intelligence to replicate voices with chilling accuracy. All they need is a small voice sample, often taken from social media or public videos, and they can create a near-perfect imitation of a loved one.

  What makes these scams even more dangerous is how difficult they are to trace. Investigators say that tracking down the criminals is nearly impossible due to their use of spoofed phone numbers and encrypted communication methods. Despite this, authorities are urging people to take precautions.

  One of the best ways to protect yourself is to have a secret code word with family members, something only they would know. If you receive a distressing call, try reaching out to the person in question through another method before reacting. Police also advise against sharing too much personal information online, as scammers often piece together details from social media to make their stories more convincing.

  This type of fraud preys on emotions, aiming to create fear so victims act before thinking critically. Staying cautious and prepared is the best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 27, 2025 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), AI voice ( 12 ), ransom ( 5 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), spoofed calls ( 9 ), virtual kidnapping, voice cloning ( 27 ), voice spoofing ( 23 )   

  AI Voice Scams: The Ransom Threat 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a chilling evolution of traditional scams, a new wave of ransom schemes is targeting families with advanced technology, creating fear and financial loss. These scams, which have been reported in Westchester County, New York, and Chatham County, Georgia, use artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate the voices of loved ones and phone number spoofing to make calls appear authentic. The alarming frequency and realism of these incidents leave victims shaken and desperate.

  In Peekskill, New York, families in a local school district were targeted with calls claiming their child had been kidnapped. Using AI-generated voice replication, scammers made the calls sound as though they were coming directly from the child. The calls included cries for help and demands for ransom, creating a terrifying sense of urgency for the families. Similarly, in Chatham County, Georgia, law enforcement received reports of scam calls where the voices of loved ones were mimicked, and their phone numbers were spoofed. Victims believed they were speaking directly with their family member, further convincing them of the alleged kidnapping.

  This type of scam, known as the virtual kidnapping scam, is made possible by the proliferation of digital tools capable of replicating a person’s voice with only a few audio samples. These samples are often taken from social media, where individuals frequently share videos and voice recordings. Additionally, phone number spoofing allows scammers to manipulate caller IDs, making it seem as though the call is originating from the victim’s own phone or from a familiar contact.

  Authorities have noted that these scams exploit advanced technology and human psychology to maximum effect. The sense of urgency created by threats of violence and the apparent authenticity of the call make it difficult for victims to pause and assess the situation critically. Victims often feel immense pressure to act quickly, believing that hesitation could lead to harm for their loved ones.

  In both Peekskill and Chatham County, authorities have emphasized the importance of verifying the safety of family members independently and resisting the temptation to provide personal or financial information over the phone. Families are being encouraged to create unique verification methods, such as secret passwords or phrases, to quickly confirm the legitimacy of a call. Law enforcement in both areas continues to investigate these cases and spread awareness to prevent further victimization.

  While the technological tools enabling these scams are growing more sophisticated, education remains a powerful defense. By understanding how these scams operate and staying cautious about unfamiliar links or calls, individuals can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these disturbing schemes.

  With the rise of these incidents, it’s clear that continued efforts to promote awareness and implement preventative strategies will be key in combating this alarming trend.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 5, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), AI voice ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), virtual kidnapping, voice cloning ( 27 ), voice spoofing ( 23 )   

  A Mother’s Close Call with AI Voice Cloning 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Imagine the terror of receiving a phone call with a familiar voice in distress, only to realize it was a cruel, high-tech scam. This harrowing experience recently befell a mother in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who nearly lost $50,000 over a weekend due to a sophisticated AI-driven scam. This scam, called ‘voice cloning’ mimicked the voice of her daughter so convincingly that it bypassed her natural skepticism and sent her scrambling to respond to what seemed like an emergency.

  It started with a phone call from an unknown number, coming from a town her daughter often frequented. With her daughter’s faint, panicked voice on the other end, she felt an instant urgency and fear that something was gravely wrong. Then, as she listened, the tone shifted; a stranger seized control of the call, asserting himself as a captor and demanding an immediate ransom. Her daughter’s supposed voice—distorted, mumbled, and terrified—amplified the mother’s fears. Desperation began to cloud her judgment as she debated how to produce such a vast sum on short notice.

  In her fear and confusion, she was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure her daughter’s safety. She was ready to withdraw cash, find neighbors who might accompany her, and meet the caller, who had directed her to a local hardware store for the exchange. But her instincts were seconded by her husband, who, while she negotiated, placed a call to the local police department. They advised him to contact their daughter directly, which they did, only to find she was safe and sound, unaware of the horrifying call her mother had just endured.

  This unsettling experience highlights a chilling reality of today’s world: the power of artificial intelligence to manipulate emotions, creating distressing scenarios with fabricated voices. These AI scams work by exploiting easily accessible samples of people’s voices, often found in social media videos or recordings. Voice cloning technology, once a futuristic concept, is now accessible and advanced enough to replicate a person’s voice with unsettling accuracy from just a brief clip.

  The Better Business Bureau advises those targeted by similar scams to resist the urge to act immediately. The shock of hearing a loved one’s voice in peril can push us to respond without question, but taking a pause, verifying the caller’s claims, and contacting the loved one directly are critical steps to prevent falling victim.

  Protecting yourself from AI-driven voice cloning scams requires both awareness and a proactive approach. Start by being mindful of what you share online, especially voice recordings, as even brief audio clips on social media can provide the material needed for cloning. Reducing the number of public posts containing your voice limits potential exposure, making it harder for scammers to replicate.

  Establishing a safe word with family members is also an effective precaution. A unique, shared phrase can act as a verification tool in emergency calls. If you ever receive a call claiming a loved one is in distress, use this word to confirm their identity. By doing so, you create a reliable check against scams, especially when emotions run high.

  It’s essential to take a moment to verify information before reacting. Scammers count on people’s tendency to act on instinct, especially when fear and urgency are involved. If you receive an alarming call, try to reach the person directly using a familiar number. Verifying information before sending money or following instructions can prevent falling victim to such fraud.

  In the end, a calm, measured approach, grounded in verification and pre-established safety measures, can make all the difference in staying protected against AI-driven threats.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on August 2, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: kidnapping ( 10 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), virtual kidnapping, voice spoofing ( 23 )   

  Bank worker foils kidnapping scam for a mother 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Last week, a mother from Pasco, Washington, received a call that turned her world upside down. An unknown number informed her that her daughter had been kidnapped. It was only later that she realized this call, which appeared to come from a local number, was part of a sophisticated virtual scam. The scammers even allowed her to briefly ‘speak’ with her daughter. Although it is unclear how the kidnappers mimicked her daughter’s voice, it’s more than likely they used AI voice spoofing technology.

  Adding to the mother’s terror, the scammers threatened that if she attempted to call her daughter, they would harm her. Convinced that her daughter was in danger, the mother sent the kidnappers all the money she had, $600. But the demands didn’t stop there.

  The scammers coerced her into sending an additional $5,000 and directed her to a credit union to take out a loan. Thankfully, a vigilant employee at the credit union sensed something was amiss when they noticed someone on the phone claiming to have the woman’s daughter. The employee promptly alerted the police.

  As the mother remained on the line with the supposed kidnappers, the officer collaborated with the bank employees to obtain her address. Police arrived at her home to find her daughter safe and sound. The officer drove the daughter to the bank, where she and her mother were finally reunited.

  It’s important to recognize the signs of a virtual kidnapping scam. The calls do not originate from the alleged victim’s phone. Scammers strive to keep the target on the phone for extended periods and cannot answer simple questions about the person they claim to have kidnapped, such as their appearance.

  Anytime a stranger insists on keeping you on the phone, it’s a major red flag and likely an indication of a scam. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency and fear, preventing you from thinking clearly or seeking outside help. If you find yourself in such a situation, hang up immediately, verify the information independently, and reach out to local authorities.

   
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  Geebo 8:00 am on May 9, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Scams ( 1,569 ), schools ( 4 ), spoofed calls ( 9 ), virtual kidnapping   

  Virtual kidnapping scammers posing as schools 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In a virtual kidnapping scam, fraudsters make deceptive phone calls to victims, claiming they have kidnapped a family member. They often play a recording of a distressed voice, creating panic. The scammer then threatens violence or death unless a quick ransom payment is made to them. Importantly, no actual kidnapping has occurred. It’s all manipulation and coercion.

  In a recent alarming development, a Pennsylvania school district has issued a warning to parents and community members regarding a new version of the virtual kidnapping scam. This time, the scam involves perpetrators posing as school officials and claiming that a child has been abducted from school premises.

  According to the Superintendent, the scam begins with a distressing phone call from a number resembling that of the school district. The caller starts the conversation with what appears to be the voice of the victim’s child, followed by an adult claiming that the child has been kidnapped from the school grounds. Adding to the sense of urgency, the scammer often incorporates background sounds of a child crying to heighten the emotional impact.

  In a recent incident, a cautious parent confronted with this harrowing scenario maintained composure and promptly contacted the school. Fortunately, the school staff swiftly verified the child’s safety, reassuring the distressed parent and coordinating communication between them.

  The key takeaway from this alarming episode is the importance of remaining calm and knowing how to respond if faced with a similar situation. There are crucial steps for individuals to take if they receive such a call.

  Contact your child directly or reach out to the school to confirm their location and safety. Prompt verification is essential to dispel any doubts and ensure swift action if necessary.

  If uncertainty persists or foul play is suspected, do not hesitate to contact emergency services by dialing 911. Time is of the essence in such situations, and swift intervention is vital to ensuring the safety of the child.

  Parents can also take proactive measures to safeguard personal information by reviewing and adjusting privacy settings on social media accounts. Limiting the information accessible to potential scammers reduces the risk of falling victim to such fraudulent schemes.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on February 28, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: AI ( 25 ), AI voice ( 12 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), virtual kidnapping, voice c\, voice spoofing ( 23 )   

  The terrifying rise of AI-generated phone scams 

  

  By Greg Collier

  In the age of rapid technological advancement, it appears that scammers are always finding new ways to exploit our vulnerabilities. One of the latest and most frightening trends is the emergence of AI-generated phone scams, where callers use sophisticated artificial intelligence to mimic the voices of loved ones and prey on our emotions.

  Recently, residents of St. Louis County in Missouri were targeted by a particularly chilling variation of this scam. Victims received calls from individuals claiming to be their children in distress, stating that they had been involved in a car accident and the other driver was demanding money for damages under the threat of kidnapping. The scammers used AI to replicate the voices of the victims’ children, adding an extra layer of realism to their deception.

  The emotional impact of such a call cannot be overstated. Imagine receiving a call from someone who sounds exactly like your child, crying and pleading for help. The panic and fear that ensue can cloud judgment and make it difficult to discern the truth. This is precisely what the scammers rely on to manipulate their victims.

  One brave mother shared her harrowing experience with a local news outlet. She recounted how she received a call from someone who sounded like her daughter, claiming to have been in an accident and demanding a $2,000 wire transfer to prevent her kidnapping.

  Fortunately, in the case of the St. Louis County mother, prompt police intervention prevented her from falling victim to the scam. However, not everyone is as fortunate, with some parents having lost thousands of dollars to these heartless perpetrators.

  Experts warn that hanging up the phone may not be as simple as it seems in the heat of the moment. Instead, families should establish safe words or phrases to verify the authenticity of such calls.

  To protect yourself from falling victim to AI-generated phone scams, it’s essential to remain informed. Be wary of calls that pressure you to act quickly or request payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. If you receive such a call, verify the authenticity of the situation by contacting the threatened family member directly and report the incident to law enforcement.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on January 3, 2024 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: exchange students, international students ( 4 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), virtual kidnapping   

  Missing student victim of kidnapping scam 

  

  By Greg Collier

  Over the weekend, you may have heard the story about the 17-year-old exchange student who was reported missing in Utah. He was found in a tent in the freezing Utah wilderness. Thankfully, he had not been abducted, nor had he been physically harmed. Instead, he was told to isolate himself by scammers while they tried to extort money from his family back home in China.

  This is a variation of the typical virtual kidnapping scam. In that fraudulent scheme, individuals are targeted with a phone call from scammers who falsely assert that they have abducted a family member or loved one. Frequently, these scammers employ unsettling tactics, such as having someone simulate distress in the background to create the illusion that the alleged kidnap victim is in danger. Alternatively, the scammers may utilize an AI-generated voice clone of the victim’s loved one. These manipulative techniques are designed to induce an emotional state in the actual victim, impairing their ability to think clearly. Subsequently, the scammers proceed to demand a ransom payment. It is important to note that the person supposedly kidnapped by the scammers is typically safe and unaware of being exploited in this deceitful scheme.

  This emerging scam specifically preys on college students with international visas. Victims receive a deceptive call that appears to originate from their home country. The scammer falsely claims that the student is entangled in legal issues back home, purportedly due to identity theft. Subsequently, the student is coerced into making a payment to prevent their arrest.

  Following the initial deception, scammers employ tactics to isolate their victims further. They instruct the targeted individuals not to disclose the matter to anyone and emphasize the importance of maintaining secrecy. Victims are warned against using social media and are even instructed to power off their phones. This isolation strategy aims to limit the victim’s access to external assistance or verification, thereby increasing the likelihood of compliance with the scammer’s demands.

  While the student in Utah was isolating himself in an unheated tent in the woods, his family in China was being told their son had been kidnapped. The scammers were able to con the teen’s parents out of $80,000.

  A common red flag in many scams involves attempts to isolate individuals from their friends and family. Legitimate authorities or organizations typically do not enforce secrecy to such an extent. When someone on the phone insists that you can’t discuss the matter with others, especially friends and family, it often indicates an attempt to manipulate and deceive. In such situations, it’s crucial for individuals to be skeptical, maintain open communication with trusted contacts, and verify the authenticity of any alarming claims before taking any further actions. This awareness can be a crucial defense against falling victim to scams that exploit isolation as a tactic.

   
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  Geebo 9:00 am on November 27, 2023 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: FTC ( 19 ), grandparent scam ( 73 ), Scams ( 1,569 ), virtual kidnapping, voice cloning ( 27 ), voice spoofing ( 23 )   

  The FTC puts a bounty on AI voice cloning 

  

  By Greg Collier

  AI-generated voice cloning, or voice spoofing, scams have become such a nuisance, the federal government is turning to the people to help solve the problem. If you’re unfamiliar with AI-voice generation technology, there are apps and programs that can take a short sample of anyone’s voice and make that voice say whatever you want it to. The benefit of it is it can give people who lost their speaking ability a voice. However, every tool that’s made for the good of mankind can also be used to its detriment.

  Scammers use cloned voices in what are known as emergency scams. Emergency scams can be broken down into two categories, for the most part, the grandparent scam, and the virtual kidnapping scam. In both sets of scams, the scammers need to convince their victim one of the victim’s loved ones is in some sort of peril. In the case of the grandparent scam, the scammer will try to convince the victim their loved one is in jail and needs bail money. While in the virtual kidnapping scam, the scammers try to convince the victim their loved one has been kidnapped for ransom.

  Scammers will take a sample of someone’s voice, typically from a video that’s been posted to social media. Then, they’ll use the voice cloning technology to make it sound like that person is in a situation that requires the victim to send money.

  Voice cloning has become such a problem, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a challenge to anyone who thinks they can develop some kind of voice cloning detector. The top prize winner can receive $25,000, the runner-up can get $4000, while three honorable mentions can get $2000.

  In their own words, the FTC has issued this challenge to help push forward ideas to mitigate risks upstream—shielding consumers, creative professionals, and small businesses against the harms of voice cloning before the harm reaches a consumer.

  The online submission portal can be found at this link, and submissions will be accepted from January 2 to 12, 2024.

  Hopefully, someone can come up with the right idea to better help consumers from losing their money to these scammers.