Fishers police are warning residents of a kidnapping scam occurring locally and across the nation.
Investigators have determined the suspect(s) are spoofing/mirroring cell phone numbers to contact victims and will act out a kidnapping involving a loved one. The suspect(s) will demand immediate payment via Zelle Payment or Paypal for the release of their family member.
The phone call will include yelling/screaming, sounds of crying and no proof of life. The suspect(s) will state the family member is being held at gunpoint and if law enforcement is contacted, they will kill the loved one. The suspect(s) will not allow the victim to speak with the loved one nor will the suspect(s) agree to meet with the victim.
If you believe you are being targeted for this kidnapping scam, police recommend you do the following: Immediately hang up and call 911. Police will perform a welfare check to ensure your loved one’s safety. Never pay any ransom and immediately report suspicious activity.
Police are also offering the following safety tips to help avoid becoming a victim: Make certain the security settings on your social media accounts are set to the highest security level, locking accounts from being viewable by non-approved friends. Suspects are using social media to conduct research. For example, a Fishers resident who was a recent victim had their Facebook account unlocked and viewable to the general public, which allowed the suspect(s) to identify friends/family.