A Scammer's Holiday Heist: The Virtual Kidnapping of Christmas

The calm of Christmas morning was shattered by a phone call that no family should ever receive. A voice, filled with terror, pleads for help, claiming to be a beloved daughter in danger. This call, nothing more than a crafted lie, is the hallmark of a virtual kidnapping—a crime I've come to know too well in my decades with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) .

Virtual Kidnapping: A New Age Crime

This cybercrime exploits the emotional vulnerability of its targets, creating a life-or-death situation. We used to call it the "Grandparent Scam" capitalizes on the panic that ensues when one believes their child or grandchild is in peril. Nowadays, it's not just seniors at risk; virtual kidnapping preys on anyone with a loved one they’d move mountains to protect.

A Case That Hits Home

One unforgettable Christmas morning, I was contacted by a family thrown into chaos by such a call. As they recounted the tale, I could hear the echoes of countless other victims' stories. Every story I heard during my career had the same mix-up and scare tactics, all tangled up in a mess that could really shake up someone's world and drain their bank account.

Strategy for Prevention

Fighting virtual kidnapping isn’t about fancy digital tools or services; it’s about a different kind of awareness, far beyond the usual workplace training. Here's your CyberSecure Mindset tips to defend against this scam:

1. Remain Calm: The scam's success relies on creating panic. Staying calm allows for clear thinking and logical actions.
2. Verify the Situation: Always attempt to contact the alleged victim through different means or ask someone else to do so. Scammers often lack detailed personal information.
3. Protect Personal Information: Limit the sharing of personal or family information on social media, as scammers use this data to sound convincing. Especially cell phone numbers on social media platforms.
4. Be Cautious with Financial Transactions: Sending money over Zelle or Venmo is the same thing as sending cash and is hard to trace due to numerous account takeovers.
5. Educate and Discuss: Regularly discuss such scams with your family, especially older members. Establish a family 'safe word' for emergencies.

Facing the Frequency of Fear

Despite not dominating headlines like a data breach or ransomware, the frequency of virtual kidnapping is troubling. The FBI's alerts on this crime are a testament to its severity and the necessity for public vigilance. https://www.ic3.gov/Media/Y2023/PSA231117. These scammers don't discriminate; they target anyone they perceive can fulfill their demands quickly.

From Reaction to Proaction: My Mission

In my book, The Secret to CyberSecurity, I peel back the layers of cybercrime, presenting framework for our digital lives. My goal has evolved beyond the reactive confines of law enforcement. Now, I strive to empower individuals through education, transforming complex cybersecurity challenges into actionable, everyday practices.

Conclusion: A Call to Arms

You might not see it, but virtual kidnapping is a real scare that can hit hard. My mission has changed from playing the classic cop chasing the bad guys to being your guide in this tricky online world. Together, with the right pieces of knowledge and a CyberSecure Mindset , we can keep each other safe, not just ourselves but our whole community, from the dangers of cybercriminals.

Here's the bottom line: I'm still the same guy who's got your back. Sure, I've swapped my FBI badge for a chance to write and speak at conferences and provide training, but I'm just as fired up about keeping you out of harm's way. Let's team up in this battle because when we stick together and keep our eyes open, we keep people safe.